Intro

It's worth making the trip here just for the views of the city and Lake Lugano. Opposite stands San Salvatore, Monte San Giorgio looms above the lake and dam of Melide and the Valais Alps can be seen to the west.

Funicular railways run in two sections from the edge of Lugano to Monte Brè, the scenic mountain above the lake basin and the vibrant city. The short lower section to Ruvigliana was opened in 1908, before the railway reached Monte Brè in 1912. It is considered the sunniest mountain in Switzerland, which may explain why it is home to the rare and protected Christmas rose, otherwise found only in Southern Europe.

Our advice is stop for a while on the "summit" – where two restaurants with a sun terrace welcome you. Descents down to Lugano or the lake, always via the Brè village, are in part pretty steep, as are the nature and archaeological trail to Gandria.

The romantic little Brè village with its grottos has succeeded in maintaining its original character of country settlement – further embellished by numerous works of art.

Information


Altitude: 925m
Accessibility:
From the Lugano station, city bus to Cassarate, funicular rail in 2 sections to Monte Brè;
Bus connection Lugano to Brè Paese
View: Over San Salvatore and the Lake Lugano, Melide reservoir and Monte San Giorgio; as well as Valais Alps in the west.
Attractions: Scenic mountain, starting point for mountain bike tours
Culinary aspects: Package offer: Lunch and Train Ride
Ticino specialities
Overnight stays: Hotels in the Brè village
Groups: Restaurant Vetta 45 people inside, 175 people on the terrace
Osteria della Funicolare for typical local snacks by the mountain station
Winter: January/February no rail operations
Special comments: July/August – until 23.00 on Fridays and Saturdays
Reduced rate mountain rail ascent with the Swiss Travel Pass/GA travelcard.
Buy your tickets on arrival at the station.



General information

Show Technical information content
Season
March - December
Time required
2 to 4 hours (half day)
Suitable for
Children, Families, Individual, Couples
Weather
Outdoor
Category
Nature

Discover the surroundings

Contact

Società Funicolare Monte Brè
Via Ceresio 36
6977  Ruvigliana
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)91 971 31 71
info@montebre.ch
montebre.ch
Show Route

Overview

Hint

Overview
Lugano
Ticino
Show on map

Contact

Società Funicolare Monte Brè
Via Ceresio 36
6977 Ruvigliana
Phone  +41 (0)91 971 31 71
montebre.ch
Show Route

Travel information: Lugano

  • Lugano Boat trip Lugano - Gandria ticket

    Discover the enchanting Lake Lugano between Lugano and Gandria with this boat ticket. from CHF 19.80
    Offer details


    valid: 07.05.2025 - 19.10.2025

    Learn more about Boat trip Lugano - Gandria ticket
  • Lugano From Lugano: private day trip Verzasca Valley and Lake Maggiore

    Discover the crystal clear waters of the Verzasca River on this private excursion. Admire also Lake... from CHF 790
    Offer details


    valid: 09.05.2025 - 04.05.2026

    Learn more about From Lugano: private day trip Verzasca Valley and Lake Maggiore
  • International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel, Lugano Culture, nature and enjoyment

    1 night, 1 Night in Double room, breakfast buffet, Ticino Ticket (Tourist card includes public transport and... from CHF 190
    Offer details

    Double room
    valid: 07.05.2025 - 30.06.2025

    Learn more about Culture, nature and enjoyment
  • 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
    Offer details


    valid: 07.05.2025 - 19.10.2025

    Learn more about Boat trip Lugano - Melide ticket
  • Lugano Lugano Bike, 4 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers (except Pairolo) 1 x... from CHF 655
    Offer details


    valid: 07.05.2025 - 19.10.2025

    Learn more about Lugano Bike, 4 days
  • Lugano "The Duke of Marengo" Outdoor Escape Game in Lugano

    This escape game takes you and your team through the heart of Lugano. The challenges become... from CHF 12.80
    Offer details


    valid: 07.05.2025 - 05.05.2026

    Learn more about "The Duke of Marengo" Outdoor Escape Game in Lugano
  • Lugano Train Reservation Gotthard Panorama Express

    The ticket includes the mandatory seat reservation in 1st class for the Gotthard Panorama Express.... from CHF 24
    Offer details


    valid: 07.05.2025 - 06.08.2025

    Learn more about Train Reservation Gotthard Panorama Express
  • Rivera Pool and Day Spa Ticket at Splash and Spa

    A great adventure pool with attraction pool and integrated pool bar, fast water slides, a wonderful... from CHF 66
    Offer details


    valid: 07.05.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Pool and Day Spa Ticket at Splash and Spa
  • 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 22
    Offer details


    valid: 02.06.2025 - 05.05.2026

    Learn more about Paragliding ticket Monte Tamaro
  • 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
    Offer details


    valid: 07.05.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Monte Tamaro paragliding tandem flight