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 of Bellinzona through lively Lugano and on to Mendrisio. The views on the countless lakes in this region will guide your way to Ticinos highlights.
Online booking: EUROTREK
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Bellinzona | Bellinzona - Isone
Luggage drop-off in Bellinzona. Steep ascent to Cima di Dentro. From here you have a wonderful view of the Magadino plain and the nearby Lake Maggiore. Look again at the castles of Bellinzona before descending to Isone.
Details: distance approx. 10 km, climb 820 m, descent 315 m, duration: approx. 4 h
Day 2: Isone – Tesserete
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.
Details: distance approx. 11 km, climb 525 m, descent 740 m, duration: approx. 3.5 h
Day 3: Tesserete – Lugano
In the morning transfer to Cimadera. 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. The furniculaire takes you down to the city centre.
Details: distance approx. 13 km, climb 1'045 m, descent 1'260 m, duration: approx. 5.5 h
Day 4: Lugano – Serpiano
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.
Details: distance approx. 13 km, climb 855 m, descent 855 m, duration: approx. 4 h
Day 5: Serpiano – Mendrisio | Departure
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. After arrival in Mendrisio individual departure.
Details: distance approx. 13 km, climb 615 m, descent 570 m, duration: approx. 4 h
Service:
- 4 nights incl. breakfast
- Daily Luggage transfer
- Entrance to the castles of Bellinzona
- Entrance to the museum Monte San Giorgio
- Ticino Ticket
- Thorough route guidance
- Detailed travel documents
- GPS data available
- Service-Hotline
Not included:
- Rides with boats and cable cars (approx CHF 45.- per person)
