This small world-class city is as charming as its surrounding countryside is enchanting – and these two magical worlds are wonderfully close together. Thrilling mountain bike routes, flowing bike trails and leisurely cycle paths along the lake: with more than 400km of marked routes, cyclists will be in their element here.

Lugano is not only Switzerland’s third most important financial, conference, banking and business centre, but also the city on the “Ticino sea”, Lake Lugano, with a multitude of swimming options. Not far from the historic old town is the Lido di Lugano. Walking through the red entrance building, you enter a wonderful oasis of sunshine and swimming. You might be surprised to discover there is even a large sandy beach complete with red and white striped parasols! Right in the heart of the city. It will certainly get you in the holiday spirit!

Alongside a sandy beach on Lake Lugano where waves gently lap the shore, the Lido also has a heated Olympic-size swimming pool. Adrenaline junkies need look no further than the 10m diving tower, while little ones will love splashing around in the children’s pool. If the mood strikes, sportier types can play a game of beach volleyball or have a kick-around on the small football pitch, and there’s a ping-pong table for the swift of hand. Culinary delights are also on offer, be it a healthy bowl, hearty snacks or refreshing ice cream – nobody need go hungry here. 

Having opened in 1928, the lido has retained much of its 1920s charm to this day. The plans were drawn by Ticino architect Americo Marazzi. The restaurant’s semicircular terrace with beautiful arcades is a striking feature. It is reminiscent of the columned halls of the Venetian Renaissance and provides a perfect space for parties and dance events. The main building and changing rooms have been preserved in traditional wood to this day and give the Lido its special character. 

From the lido, it is only a short walk to the Parco Ciani, a green oasis in the middle of the city. A place of peace. The park’s countless blooms create a truly special spectacle of colour. The glittering sun on the water is captivating. The views over Lake Lugano and the local mountains of Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore are magnificent. The red park benches along the lakeshore under shady trees invite you to take a break. 

Relaxed and refreshed after a morning in Lugano, it’s time to get on your e-bike. You can already see the destination from Lugano. The ride up is quite something: the 21km climb up to Capanna Monte Bar involves an altitude gain of 1,400m! However, the boost from the e-bike means you can adapt the strain to your level of fitness. Alternatively, this tour can also be started from Tesserete or Bidogno. 

Several routes lead to the Capanna Monte Bar. If starting the tour from Lugano, the first stop on this e-bike tour is Tesserete and then on to Bidogno. The village on the right side of the valley of Val Colla marks the starting point for the rather demanding climb and the Monte Bar Bike route. The technically easy ascent on a tarmac road leads in a steady zigzag through the forest.  

The secluded mountain road passes the Alpe Rompiago farm. This small animal park on the mountain is home to goats, cows and cattle, sheep, pigs, donkeys and horses. Hens, geese, cats and dogs are also part of the mix. One more bend and the next breather awaits: the Motto della Croce viewpoint. A swing invites you to have a little rest and enjoy the view. The final destination is not far now! The riders need only tackle one last ascent on a gravel road. 

At an altitude of 1,599m, the Capanna Monte Bar perches like an eagle’s nest on the grassy slope of Monte Bar. The views are breathtaking: on a clear day, you can see across the Gulf of Lugano all the way to Milan, the Monte Rosa massif as well as the Graubünden and Bernese Alps. The jagged peaks of the Denti della Vecchia are another impressive sight. 

The view is perhaps best enjoyed with a little snack and refreshing drink. What better way to recover from the tough ascent than with a hearty Ticino platter and sparkling bottle of Gazzosa? Weather-permitting, there is plenty of space to sit on the large terrace. If a chilly wind blows, head inside to get cosy by the fire and gaze out the large panoramic windows. 

The hut offers those arriving on two wheels all the amenities they might need: various charging stations for e-bikes, a service station for repairs, bike pumps and a lockable bike room. There is even a hot shower. With around 42 beds across double, triple and six-person rooms, a restful night’s sleep awaits. The classic hut atmosphere is maintained with bunk beds and shared bathrooms on each floor. Cosily sitting together in the evening, playing games and enjoying the ambience over dinner is also true to the original hut tradition. 

After a restful night in the hut comes the highlight for all mountain bike fans: the flowing single trail back down into the valley. Those who want more can continue the tour on the Lugano Bike route from the Capanna Monte Bar. The whole tour takes four days from Lugano to Ponte Tresa. Passing the mountains of Monte Brè, Monte Bar and Monte Tamaro, it takes in some fantastic viewpoints in a hugely varied region.