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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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Experiences & Activities

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  • Villa Sassa 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Villa Sassa
  • 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 Splendide Royal 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino Hotel Splendide Royal
  • LUGANODANTE Boutique & Lifestyle Hotel 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

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

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Bissone, Ticino

    Learn more about: Bissone, Ticino Hotel Campione
  • International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino International au Lac Historic Lakeside Hotel
  • The View Lugano 5 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

    Learn more about: Lugano, Ticino The View Lugano
  • Hotel Delfino 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Lugano, Ticino

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

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Carona, Ticino

    Learn more about: Carona, Ticino Hotel Villa Carona
  • 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 22
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    valid: 14.02.2026 - 31.10.2026

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  • Rivera Tandem paragliding from Monte Tamaro in Ticino

    Enjoy spectacular views over the Lago Maggiore and Locarno during this unforgettable tandem... from CHF 270.71
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  • 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 39.50
    Offer details


    valid: 01.04.2026 - 31.10.2026

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  • Lugano Lugano and Morcote Private Full-Day Tour

    private guided tour with professional tour guide speaking your languagetransfer from Lugano to... from CHF 157
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  • Lugano Lugano private guided walking tour

    Explore Lugano, the capital of Swiss canton Ticino, during a private and guided walking tour.Immerse... from CHF 249
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  • Lugano Hiking holidays Centre tour Lago di Lugano

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 999
    Offer details


    valid: 19.04.2026 - 11.10.2026

    Learn more about Hiking holidays Centre tour 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
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    valid: 18.04.2026 - 01.05.2026

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Travel information: Lake Lugano