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Intro

On the Lugano Bike route, one highlight follows the next. On the third stage it is Monte Tamaro, one of the great mountain bike classics in Switzerland.

Detour / Closure

There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switzerland/route-66/stage-3

Description

The beginning of the day is bittersweet. Bitter for those who tackle the ascent to Alpe Foppa on their own, up the steep road, sweet for the others who take the gondola to ride 1100 meters in altitude. However, for both groups a stop at the chapel designed by Mario Botta is absolutely mandatory. The views from the observation deck across the Magadino Plain with Locarno and Bellinzona, of Sotto Ceneri and Monte Bar, where we were yesterday, are amazing.

But the last part of the ascent is still ahead of us. It is another 330 meters in altitude up a steep, rough gravel road to the radio antenna. Although this would be another excellent place to enjoy the panorama, the focus is now on the single trail. It runs from Capanna Tamaro, first along the northern mountainside, but at the small junction, you take a left onto the single trail, which is initially a bit tricky, but it gets easier as time goes on. The descent leads to Arosio, primarily on single trails, and then continues up and down through the Malcantone region to Miglieglia. The pretty village at the foot of Monte Lema is where this superb single trail route ends - unquestionably a highlight of the Ticino.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Type
Trip
Start location
Rivera
Destination
Miglieglia
Direction
One way
Ascent
1900 m
Descent
1700 m
Distance
39 km
Distance on tarred ways
13 km
Distance on natural surface
15 km
Singletrail (part of natural surface)
11 km
Technical requirements
Difficult
Physical requirements
Difficult
Theme
With panoramic view, To a mountain peak
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/mountainbiking-in-switz...

Route

Lugano Bike

Lugano
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 3/4

Distance

39 km

Ascent

1900 m

Travel information: Lugano

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    valid: 10.07.2026 - 09.07.2027

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  • 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: 10.07.2026 - 10.10.2026

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  • Lugano Hiking holidays Sentiero Lago di Lugano

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    valid: 10.07.2026 - 11.10.2026

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  • Lugano Biking Holidays Lugano Bike

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 685
    Offer details


    valid: 10.07.2026 - 18.10.2026

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  • Rivera Ticket Monte Tamaro with the cable car from Rivera

    Take the cable car to the Alpe Foppa station on Monte Tamaro in Ticino and discover the wonderful... from CHF 26
    Offer details


    valid: 10.07.2026 - 08.11.2026

    Learn more about Ticket Monte Tamaro with the cable car from Rivera
  • Rivera Monte Tamaro lunch incl. train ticket

    Take the cable car up to the Alpe Foppa mountain station and enjoy a delicious meal in the mountain... from CHF 42.50
    Offer details


    valid: 10.07.2026 - 08.11.2026

    Learn more about Monte Tamaro lunch incl. train ticket
  • Rivera Ticket summer toboggan run on Monte Tamaro

    Experience 800 m ride on the Ticino summer toboggan run on Monte Tamaro and enjoy the beautiful view... from CHF 23
    Offer details


    valid: 10.07.2026 - 08.11.2026

    Learn more about Ticket summer toboggan run on Monte Tamaro
  • 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: 10.07.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Pool and slides ticket to Splash and Spa