ViaGottardo
Overview
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Distance 12 km
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Duration 4 h 25 min
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Ascent 820 m
Intro
From Paradiso, the demanding but rewarding route climbs to San Salvatore, the best-known vantage point on the Luganersee lake. Passing typical Ticino villages, picturesque landscapes and hospitable grotti, the hike leads slowly down to Morcote.
Description
Lugano lies in a bay on the northern shore of Lake Lugano, surrounded by several scenic mountains. The traffic-free, historic town centre and the Mediterranean-style squares and arcades give the town a southern flair. Numerous parks with magnolias and camellias, palm and olive trees invite you to enjoy the "dolce far niente", the sweet art of doing nothing.
The lovely hike to Morcote begins in Lugano Paradiso. A steep path leads through the forest and partly along the rock higher and higher above the expansive lake. For a more leisurely alternative, take the funicular to the summit. Once you reach the chapel at the top, fantastic views over Lugano, Lombardy and countless mountain peaks beckon. In addition to the panoramic views, Lugano's local mountain also boasts a year-round exhibition, a museum, a playground and a Via Ferrata climbing route.
The ridge hike now leads downhill to Ciano and Carona, where azaleas, rhododendrons and conifers grow on 62,000 square metres in the "Parco botanico di San Grato" botanical garden. Here, the Trans Swiss Trail and the Via Gottardo routes separate and only come together again at Alpe Vicania.
Passing the swimming pool, you leave Carona and continue in a southerly direction on a gently ascending, soft forest path to Alpe Vicania. Next is the steep descent over countless winding stone steps of various shapes and sizes. The 13th century pilgrimage church of Santa Maria del Sasso has precious Renaissance frescoes to see. From here, another 400 steps take you down to Morcote.
The stage ends at the pier. Winding alleys with richly decorated palazzi characterise the small village's centre. Wealthy families have settled here since the Middle Ages. From a boat, Morcote is the most photographed motif in the canton of 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
| Start location |
Lugano (Paradiso)
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Morcote
|
| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
820 m
|
| Descent |
840 m
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| Distance |
12 km
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| Duration |
4 h 25 min
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| Duration back |
4 h 30 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
All year
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view, To a mountain peak
|
Quick Facts
Route number
