You’ll cross pretty hamlets, woods and alpages, where you’ll meet some rare Highland cattle. You’ll be treated to magnificent views and the great taste of local delicacies. The Monte Bar excursion offers a sunny and warm walk. If you think of Lugano and its valleys as an amphitheatre, Monte Bar is its most exclusive seat. It’s there to be enjoyed.
Imagine Lugano and its valleys as an amphitheatre: Monte Bar would be the most exclusive seat in the house. From Lugano, with your back towards the lake and valleys, you can see Monte Bar (1816m).
We suggest the route starting from Bogno, at the top of Val Colla, which climbs through woods and off-road tracks up to Alpe Cottino, well known because of its Scottish Highland cattle. After enjoying a little break, continue on to Capanna San Lucio, located at the foot of Mount Gazzirola, from where you can enjoy magnificent views beyond the Val Colla horizon and over Val Cavargna. This is the chance to sample the highly regarded local produce, quench your thirst and relax.
The route, which is exposed to the sun throughout, carries on towards Alpe Pietrarossa, for another stop or perhaps to buy a little of the delicious local cheese. Once reinvigorated, carry on, crossing Piandanazzo, to Capanna Monte Bar: the mountain hut is located within the stunning setting of the commanding North-East pre-alpine chain which, from Monte Bre, extends to Monte Boglia, Denti della Vecchia, Paiolo, Passo del San Lucio until Monte Gazzirola. South there's Lake Ceresio and the entire city of Lugano in all its majesty. Westwards, you can admire Monte Rosa and, when the air is clear, the Bernese Alps range. The excursion ends downwards, crossing Alpe Musgatina, towards Corticiasca. From here, we recommend returning by public transport.
Tips
Signalization:
For winter walks, follow the logo indicated on the green signposts: Sentiero del Monte Bar / 632
To explore the route, we recommend buying the official maps of the Federal Office of Topography Swisstopo. In addition, the following website map.geo.admin.ch offers constantly updated data.
- Waterproof clothing, light and warm
- Hiking boots
- Gloves, sun cap, change of clothes
- Backpack maximum 5-8 kg
- First aid kit with penknife
- Sleeping bag for overnight in alpine hut
- Torch, sunglasses, sun cream, water-bottle
- Hiking map/topographic map
- Compass
- Camera
- Food
- Raincover for backpacks
Montagnepulite: This project was born to promote an effective management and sustainable use of mountain huts in Ticino, and in particular the litter management. The responsible management of litter in the mountains is a matter of common sense. We can all contribute: https://www.montagnepulite.ch/en/golden-rules
Alternative routes
Especially remarkable, mainly because of the stunning panorama it offers, is the variation from the route which takes you up from Alpe Pietrarossa along the mountain crest, crossing Cima Moncucco towards Monte Bar's summit, redescending to the Monte Bar mountain hut.