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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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  • Villa Sassa 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Villa Sassa
  • VILLA PRINCIPE LEOPOLDO 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

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

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

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

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Hotel Delfino
  • Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola
  • Seehotel Riviera 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Melide, Ticino

    Learn more about: Melide, Ticino Seehotel Riviera
  • Hotel Colorado 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

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

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bissone, Ticino

    Learn more about: Bissone, Ticino Hotel Campione
  • Hotel Villa Carona 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Carona, Ticino

    Learn more about: Carona, Ticino Hotel Villa Carona
  • Dolceresio Lugano Lake B&B

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Brusino Arsizio, Ticino

    Learn more about: Brusino Arsizio, Ticino Dolceresio Lugano Lake B&B
  • Lugano Explore Lugano in 1 hour with a local

    Discover Lugano during a short but sweet excursion during which you will learn the most intriguing... from CHF 52
    Offer details
    Learn more about Explore Lugano in 1 hour with a local
  • Rivera Pool and slides ticket to Splash and Spa

    At the Splash e Spa adventure pool in Ticino you will find spectacular water slides, an exciting... from CHF 39
    Offer details


    valid: 15.04.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Pool and slides ticket to Splash and Spa
  • Melide Swissminiatur Admission Ticket

    Experience over 130 detailed miniatures of Swiss landmarks and landscapes at Swissminiatur in... from CHF 22
    Offer details


    valid: 15.04.2026 - 08.11.2026

    Learn more about Swissminiatur Admission Ticket
  • Lugano Hiking holidays Sentiero Lago di Lugano

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 1,359
    Offer details


    valid: 30.04.2026 - 11.10.2026

    Learn more about Hiking holidays Sentiero Lago di 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: 18.04.2026 - 14.07.2026

    Learn more about Train Reservation Gotthard Panorama Express
  • Rivera Monte Tamaro rope park incl. train ticket

    Climb between obstacles and trees through the rope park on Monte Tamaro. Three different courses... from CHF 14
    Offer details


    valid: 15.04.2026 - 08.11.2026

    Learn more about Monte Tamaro rope park incl. train ticket

Travel information: Lake Lugano