Monte San Salvatore — Attraction in Circolo di Lugano ovest

Hiked this from the base at Lake Lugano. Took 1hr 40min to get to the summit. I wanted to get there for Sunrise and I think I hit it quite lucky. I set of at 5:30am, with sunrise scheduled at 7am.

The first hour or so is urban roads and is reasonably well lit, but there are areas without a footpath, so definitely being a torch or something reflective to keep you safe on the road.

After the first hour, you lose the footpaths and the streetlights, but by this point there was just enough brightness in the sky for me to see my way.

The last part is definitely the hardest as it is woodland. It is easy to navigate following the white and red flags on the trees as seen in my picture, but it's a tough climb, especially when slippy from last night rain, and I had to get my hands dirty to help me up, but it was so worth it.

The views were incredible, and the cold March air soon began to cool me down. Definitely allow yourself more time to come down, and I was lucky enough to find a big stick that gave me some support to get down some of the steeper and slippery parts, I'd suggest to find a suitable one on your way up and leave it somewhere to help get down if you think you may need it. The funicular was not operating, so there was no easy way out of it.

It took me a full 2 hours to get down as the fatigue in my ankles and blisters were soon setting in so I took it easy. All in all, 22k steps and nothing too challenging, beautiful views the whole way back down. I highly recommend as a fan of walking and hiking, and if not take the funicular when it is in service to take...

Mount San Salvatore is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking breathtaking panoramic views of Lugano. We opted to hike the trail to the summit, and we highly recommend this choice. The approximately 7-kilometer trek is filled with stunning scenery at every turn, showcasing the diverse landscapes and lush greenery of the region.

While the funicular provides a quick route to the top, hiking allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty, making for a more intimate and memorable experience. Along the way, you'll encounter charming viewpoints that invite you to pause and take in the surroundings.

Reaching the summit is incredibly rewarding, as you'll be treated to sweeping vistas of Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountains. It's a perfect spot for photography or simply soaking in the tranquility. For those interested, there are also nearby cafés where you can relax and enjoy a refreshment. Overall, hiking Mount San Salvatore is not just an adventure; it’s a journey that enriches your appreciation for this...

Monte San Salvatore is an absolute must-do if you're in the Lugano area. I went up on a day when the weather wasn't ideal, so the visibility wasn't perfect, but the experience was still incredible.

The funicular ride up is a treat in itself, offering some great views on the way.

Once you get to the top, it's easy to see why this spot is so famous. The panoramic view is simply stunning. Even with bad visibility, you get a beautiful perspective of Lugano, the sparkling lake, and the surrounding mountains.

The feeling of being up there, with that vast landscape stretched out before you, is truly special, it's incredibly peaceful and awe-inspiring. I could have spent hours just soaking it all in.

There are also a couple of restaurants at the top, and a short walk to a church that's worth checking out. If you're looking for a relatively easy trip with a massive payoff in terms of scenery and a feeling of pure tranquility, this is the place. I highly...