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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 Card. This card gives you free access to public transport in the region, including buses, trains and boats. Many museums and sights also offer reduced admission with this card. 

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Lake Lugano
Ticino
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  • 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

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    Melide, Ticino

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  • Villa Sassa 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

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

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bissone, Ticino

    Learn more about: Bissone, Ticino Hotel Campione
  • Hotel Splendide Royal 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Hotel Splendide Royal
  • Dolceresio Lugano Lake B&B

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Brusino Arsizio, Ticino

    Learn more about: Brusino Arsizio, Ticino Dolceresio Lugano Lake B&B
  • LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel
  • Hotel Villa Carona 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Carona, Ticino

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

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Hotel Colorado
  • The View Lugano 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino The View Lugano
  • Capolago Monte Generoso cog railroad ticket

    Climb the Monte Generoso in Ticino on the cog railroad. Enjoy a 360° panorama and visit the famous... from CHF 48
    Offer details


    valid: 11.07.2025 - 31.12.2025

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  • Melide Swissminiatur: Entry Ticket

    Size matters and the Swiss know it. Swissminiatur gives you 120 teeny-tiny, detailed versions of... from CHF 23.51
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  • 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 990
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    valid: 11.07.2025 - 30.11.2025

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  • Hotel Lugano Dante, Lugano Grand Tour of Switzerland - Lugano

    1 night, 1 Night in Double room, breakfast buffet, Ticino Ticket (Tourist card includes public transport and... from CHF 198
    Offer details

    Double room
    valid: 11.07.2025 - 31.10.2025

    Learn more about Grand Tour of Switzerland - Lugano
  • Hotel Campione, Bissone Relaxing offer

    2 nights, 2 Nights in Double room, breakfast buffet, 1 x 3 course evening meal per person per stay, Welcome... from CHF 478
    Offer details

    Double room
    valid: 11.07.2025 - 31.10.2025

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  • 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 70
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    valid: 11.07.2025 - 31.12.2025

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  • Lugano Boat trip Lugano - Gandria ticket

    Discover the enchanting Lake Lugano between Lugano and Gandria with this boat ticket. from CHF 19.80
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    valid: 11.07.2025 - 19.10.2025

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  • Lugano Lugano city tour

    city tour to discover the center of Lugano passing through the most glamorous corners of the city... from CHF 59
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  • Lugano Bernina Express Bus reservation from Lugano or Tirano

    Book your seat on the Bernina Express Bus and enjoy a relaxing journey through the Alps. Secure your... from CHF 16
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    valid: 11.07.2025 - 04.10.2025

    Learn more about Bernina Express Bus reservation from Lugano or Tirano

Travel information: Lake Lugano