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Intro

Lake Lugano in Ticino enchants with its Mediterranean flair and the Alps in the background. From idyllic villages such as Morcote to spectacular views from Monte San Salvatore - a paradise for nature and culture lovers, ideal for boat trips, hikes and water sports.

Lake Lugano at a glance

This is Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano, also known as Lago di Lugano, is located in the southern part of Switzerland in the canton of Ticino, right on the border with Italy. With its picturesque shores and mild climate, Lake Lugano is a popular excursion destination.

Discover Lake Lugano

The city of Lugano and Lake Lugano are inextricably linked. From Lugano train station, you can get directly to the numerous scheduled boats that depart here every day. A boat trip on Lake Lugano offers you a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and charming towns such as Morcote and Gandria

Boat trips and water sports

Lake Lugano is ideal for boat trips. You have the choice between traditional boats and boats that run regularly between the lakeside communities. The lake offers ideal conditions for water sports enthusiasts. You can go sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, stand-up paddling or diving. There are numerous bathing spots for a relaxing day on the water, including the Lido di Lugano.

Mountains on Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano is surrounded by impressive mountains. Monte Brè, which can be reached by cable car from Lugano, offers spectacular panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Another highlight is Monte San Salvatore, which can be reached by funicular from Lugano in around 15 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the entire Lake Lugano and the surrounding Alps. For hiking enthusiasts, there are numerous well-marked hiking trails, such as the Sentiero del Botto, which leads from Lugano to Gandria.

Around Lake Lugano

There are many attractive excursion destinations around Lake Lugano. Visit the picturesque town of Morcote, known for its picturesque alleyways and the beautiful Parco Scherrer, a botanical garden with exotic plants and a magnificent view of the lake. The fishing village of Gandria on the north side of the lake is also worth a visit. The Verzasca Valley with the impressive Ponte dei Salti is also nearby. 

Experience Lake Lugano for less

Lake Lugano can be experienced particularly cheaply with the Ticino Ticket. With this ticket, you can travel free of charge on buses and trains throughout the region. You also benefit from discounts on boat trips as well as reduced admission to many museums and attractions. 

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Lake Lugano
Ticino
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Experiences & Activities

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  • The View Lugano 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino The View Lugano
  • International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel
  • Hotel Delfino 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Hotel Delfino
  • Hotel Colorado 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Hotel Colorado
  • VILLA PRINCIPE LEOPOLDO 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino VILLA PRINCIPE LEOPOLDO
  • Hotel Villa Carona 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Carona, Ticino

    Learn more about: Carona, Ticino Hotel Villa Carona
  • Seehotel Riviera 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Melide, Ticino

    Learn more about: Melide, Ticino Seehotel Riviera
  • LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel
  • Hotel Splendide Royal 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Hotel Splendide Royal
  • Villa Sassa 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Villa Sassa
  • Lugano "The Duke of Marengo" Outdoor Escape Game Lugano

    This escape game takes you and your team through the heart of Lugano. The challenges become more... from CHF 12.80
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    valid: 18.05.2026 - 16.05.2027

    Learn more about "The Duke of Marengo" Outdoor Escape Game Lugano
  • Capolago Hiking holidays: Monte Generoso & Valle di Muggio

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 915
    Offer details


    valid: 18.05.2026 - 25.10.2026

    Learn more about Hiking holidays: Monte Generoso & Valle di Muggio
  • Lugano 9 days: Traveling by panoramic train to Europe's most beautiful cities: Vienna – Graz – Zurich – Bellinzona

    On panoramic trains Many are familiar with Swiss panoramic trains such as the Glacier, GoldenPass... from CHF 2,699
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    valid: 28.08.2026 - 09.09.2026

    Learn more about 9 days: Traveling by panoramic train to Europe's most beautiful cities: Vienna – Graz – Zurich – Bellinzona
  • Rivera Monte Tamaro paragliding tandem flight

    You fly in tandem with a paraglider from Monte Tamaro at 1532 m above sea level. For around 30... from CHF 250
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    valid: 18.05.2026 - 31.12.2026

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  • Rivera Paragliding ticket Monte Tamaro

    With this ticket you can take the cable car up Monte Tamaro and fly back down to the valley with... from CHF 26
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    valid: 18.05.2026 - 08.11.2026

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  • Lugano Ticket Bernina Express Bus from Lugano or Tirano

    Travel with the Bernina Express Bus through the Alps from Lugano to Tirano or vice versa. Experience... from CHF 41
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    valid: 18.05.2026 - 12.11.2026

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  • Montagnola Hermann Hesse Museum Ticket in Montagnola

    At the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola, you get to know the life and work of the writer up close.... from CHF 10
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    valid: 18.05.2026 - 15.05.2027

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  • Lugano Boat trip Lugano - Melide ticket

    Discover Lake Lugano between Lugano and Melide with this boat ticket. Visit the unique Swissminiatur... from CHF 19.80
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    valid: 18.05.2026 - 18.10.2026

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  • Montagnola "Following Hermann Hesse's Trail" Ticket for Hermann Hesse Museum and Outdoor Area with Audioguide

    At the Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola, you get to explore the life and work of the writer up... from CHF 13.50
    Offer details


    valid: 18.05.2026 - 15.05.2027

    Learn more about "Following Hermann Hesse's Trail" Ticket for Hermann Hesse Museum and Outdoor Area with Audioguide

Travel information: Lake Lugano