The valleys are scarcely populated, the mountain paths are panoramic and the cities burst of life and Italianità. This hiking trip leads through the southernmost part of Switzerland from the sublime castles fo Bellinzone through lively Lugano and on to Mendrisio. The views on the countless lakes in this region will guide your way to Ticinos highlights.
The skyline of the capital of Ticino, comprising three of the best-preserved medieval castles in Switzerland, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bellinzona is strategically positioned where the valley narrows at the southern entrance to the Alpine passes and is probably Switzerland's most Italianate town.
Steep climb to the Val d’Isone with views of Piano di Magadino and Lago Maggiore. Take one last look at the castles of Bellinzona before you walk down towards Isone.
First through the swamp at Gola di Lago and then further on through a sea of ferns in a sparse birch forest towards Bigorio. Santa Maria Franciscan monastery like an eagle’s nest above Tesserete.
In the morning by bus to Cimadera. The tour leads past the Denti della Vecchia rock formations over the Monte Boglia, through beech forests and high plateaux to Monte Brè, a vantage platform high above Lugano. The furniculaire takes you down to the city centre.
The hike from Monte San Salvatore to Vico Morcote is a classic for the whole family. Always slightly downhill, woodlands alternating with well-kept villages, pretty grotti and scenic views. From Morcote you continue by ship and cable car to Serpiano.
The Monte San Giorgio, also known as the «Fossil Mountain», is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, tackled after a short boat trip. Dinosaur fossils dating back 230-240 million years can be marvelled at in a small museum in Meride.
approx. 4 h
approx. 13 km
615 m
570 m
Day
7
Departure or extension
Tour characteristic
Walks with a view! The distances are rather short but you should expect some steep up- and downhills. Surefootedness is needed for the hikes on the crests.
Rides with boats and cable cars not included (approx CHF 45.- per person).
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
Reservation fee of CHF 15 per adult (incl. legally required customer money protection)
Information
Arrival/Departure:
Arrival via Zürich to Bellinzona.
Park&Rail at the railway station Bellinzona. CHF 12.- per day.
By train from Mendrisio to Bellinzona. Duration: approx. 50 minutes. Costs: approx. CHF 15.- per person and ride.
Travel Documents
Travel documents "digital”
In future we will reduce the amount of printed documents. You will receive instructions to help you find your way around using the SwitzerlandMobility app. We will provide you with further information online. In advance you will receive a small package of documents with the following contents:
On the way, you can easily find your way with the SwitzerlandMobility app and other freely accessible aids. Background information and all other documents are delivered electronically and can be downloaded to your mobile phone in advance.
Let us know if you don't want to do without maps. We will send them to you free of charge.
Ratings
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 of 5 Stars (1 Rating)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars
Roland Haussener |16.06.2021
Tessiner Highlites
Sehr schöne Tour. Alle Hotels gut. Besonders schön Tesserete. Dort auch sagenhafte Küche. Gestaunt haben wir auch in Lugano. Hotel direkt neben dem Funi und eine so ruhige Nacht. Es war auch sehr angenehm, dass man die Wanderung etwas kürzen konnte. Nach der Tour von Cimadera über den Monte Bre waren wir müde. So haben wir am nächsten Tag auf den San Salvatore die Bahn genommen. Dazu kam das Wetterglück. Wir mussten nur zweimal kurz die Schirme öffnen. Wir würden diese Reise auf jeden Fall weiterempfehlen.