Those who have hiked these 5 stages know the Sottoceneri through and through: from the pre-Alpine mountains to the Mediterranean shores, from mountain huts to grottos surrounded by vineyards, the Sottoceneri presents itself in all its diversity.
One highlight follows another, beginning with the well-known ridge hike from Monte Lema to Monte Tamaro with the Botta church at Alpe Foppa. Soon followed by the Denti della Vecchia (old lady’s teeth) with the Monte Boglia, probably the most impressive vantage point of the Sottoceneri. After Lugano the trail joins the quite rightly, well-travelled route from Monte San Salvatore to picturesque Morcote. Such as the Monti di Medeglia, from where you can see the Sotto and Sopraceneri. So practically each stage is worth the journey, without having to hike the whole route in one go.
Online booking: EUROTREK
Day 1: Individual arrival in Lugano / Lugano - Magliaso - Miglieglia
An ideal stage to get into the hike: moderate climb, cool woodlands, an old mill converted to a grotto. Also of interest: the Museum del Malcantone in Curio and typical Ticino drystone walling along the wayside.
Details: distance ca. 10 km, climb 570 m, descent 155 m, duration: 3 h
Day 2: Miglieglia - Capanna Tamaro - Rivera
Spectacular hike along the mountain ridge between Monte Lema and Monte Tamaro with impressive panoramic views over northern Italy, Ticino and the Alps. The Tamaro hut is a beautiful mountain refuge. We recommend to stop and relax.
Details: distance ca. 13 km, climb 825 m, descent 855 m, duration: 4.5 h
Day 3: Medeglia - Capanna Monte Bar
Bus ride to Medeglia. Passing the Gola di Lago pass with its nationally important peat moorland, the trail climbs to the Motto della Croce cross, visible from afar. The next two stages in Valcolla can be easily seen from here.
Details: distance ca. 11 km, climb 1'090 m, descent 185 m, duration: 4 h
Day 4: Capanna Monte Bar - Capanna Pairolo
A spectacular panoramic excursion on the ridge to Gazzirola Summit. Possibilities for a break at San Lucio, where a small lake and tiny church beckon. Through a limestone landscape with unusual vegetation and on to Capanna Pairolo.
Details: distance ca. 16 km, climb 1'275 m, descent 1'525 m, duration: 7 h
Day 5: Capanna Pairolo - Lugano (Monte Brè) | Departure or extended stay: variant with 3 days or variant with 8 days
The tour leads past the Denti della Vecchia rock formations over the Monte Boglia, through beech forests and high plateaux to Monte Bré, a vantage platform high above Lugano.
Details: distance ca. 11 km, climb 760 m, descent 1'210 m, duration: 4.5 h
Services:
- 4 overnights stays with breakfast
- 2x Half-board (Monte Bar and Pairolo)
- Luggage transport (apart form Monte Bar & Pairolo)
- Ticino Ticket
- Entrance in the Fossil Museum of the Monte San Giorio
- Guide
- Detailed tour documentation
- GPS-data available
- 7-day Helpline
Not included:
Rides on ships, cable cars and public transport
