Monte Brè Tour from Lugano by funicular

Lugano, CH
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (67 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

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    Other
    Local guide
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    Cable car ride
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    Other
    Short cruise from Lugano Center to Cassarate
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    Other
    Departure from Lugano Region tourist office in Via Magatti 6, Lugano at 13:00 pm

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    Food and drinks
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    Other
    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting Point

Meeting point at 1:00 p.m. at Lugano Region tourist office Via Magatti 6, Lugano.

Meeting point

Via Massimiliano Magatti 6, 6900 Lugano , Switzerland

End point

End Point

The tour ends at 5.30 pm. Individual return at 5:30 p.m. from Cassarate (Funicular Monte Brè departure). You can reach the city center by bus (5 minutes) or walking (15 minutes).

Meeting point

Via Pico 8, 6900 Lugano , Switzerland

End point

What to expect

1

Tourism Office of Lugano Region

Piazza Riforma: With its many bistros and restaurants, Piazza della Riforma is the city’s main place of encounter. Throughout the year several different events, including Easter in the City, Estival Jazz, Blues to Bop, Autumn Festival and Christmas in the Square, take place here. But in the past, when the square was called Piazza Grande, it was the scene of several political events. In fact, the 15th February 1798 was a chaotic day of fighting, at the end of which, despite initial success, the enemy was pushed back by the Lugano partisans. The most enlightened members of the bourgeois took advantage of events to finally achieve long-sought independence for the town, buoyed by the slogan “Free and Swiss”. At Zurich the twelve cantons proclaimed Canton Ticino’s independence and on 16 February the citizens erected the tree of liberty in Piazza Grande. In 1830, the square took on its current name thanks to the constitutional reform.

Duration 30 minutes
2
Lago Di Lugano

Short cruise on Lake Ceresio from the center of Lugano to the small port of Cassarate, a short moment of relaxation with a breathtaking view.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3
Monte Bre

Appreciate the splendor of Monte Rosa, the Bernese and Vallese Alps as seen from the top of Switzerland's sunniest mountain. Ever since 1908, a cable railway has brought visitors, in a quarter of an hour, from Cassarate to Mount Bré (933metres above sea level), a locality offering many opportunities to the visitor: a big, well equipped picnic area, where it is possible to grill food, walks that are accessible to families even with small children and more difficult mountain hikes. The village of Bré has kept intact its characteristic of ancient rural village, and in time, numerous artworks have also embellished it. You will find the works by Pasquale Gilardi, also called Lelèn, the frescoes by Joseph Birò in the Church of San Fedele, the Schmid Museum with the works, which the artist left, together with his home, to his Municipality of adoption and an open air museum consisting in the works of Aligu Sassu, Armando Losa, Emilio Rissone, Giuliano Togni, Giancarlo Tamagni, Piergiorgio Piffaretti and others. Of course, there are also restaurants, tiny and large grotti with panoramic terraces that offer a bird’s eye view of the Lake of Lugano and of its surrounding mountains.

Duration 60 minutes
Admission Admission Included
4

Contrada Gedra 6

The town of Brè has maintained its characteristics of ancient rural village and has gradually enriched itself with numerous artistic works. The decoration of the town centre with several artworks has the intent of getting a vaster public acquainted with this charming village, where such artists like Pasquale Gilardi (1885-1934), Wilhelm Schmid (1892-1971) and Josef Birò (1887-1975) lived. The artistic path starts in the square in front of the church, passes through the centre of Brè and offers visitors the opportunity of admiring the artworks of famous artists, renowned both at the national and international level. Besides the town’s artistic decoration, at Brè it’s possible to admire many other noteworthy works of art. The Wilhelm Schmid Museum, the house where the homonymous artist used to live (1892-1971), hosts an important collection of the works of the only Swiss painter who was an exponent of “Magic Nordic Realism”. There are also several restaurants and grotti with panoramic terraces offering a superb view of the Lake of Lugano and of the surrounding mountains. The region of Mount Brè, moreover, offers an infinite number of itineraries both for hikers and mountain bike lovers that differ greatly from each other in terms of beauty and difficulty.

Duration 60 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Difficulty level / walking: easy - medium. Suggested comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen.
  • Additional information
    In case of bad weather, the guide reserves the right to cancel or end the tour early
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Pushchairs/strollers are only allowed on the funicular if they are folded
  • Additional information
    The guide will speak the two prevalent languages in your group
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Ente Turistico del Luganese

What our experts say

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    Try the local grotti for lunch!
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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    Check the weather before your trip.
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    Visit the Wilhelm Schmid Museum in Brè.
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    Enjoy views from the picnic area at Monte Brè.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lugano from the heart of the city to the sunniest peak on the Monte Brè Tour. This tour takes you on a journey that starts with a boat ride to the small port of Cassarate, followed by a picturesque funicular ride that offers a panoramic view of the city. As you reach the summit, you'll be able to take a leisurely stroll through the charming village of Brè, where time seems to slow down. Immerse yourself in the historic Ticinese houses, visit the local church, and admire the impressive works of art scattered throughout the village. This tour is perfect for those seeking a unique and unforgettable adventure in Lugano.

What to expect?

During the Monte Brè Tour, you can expect a 280-minute journey filled with awe-inspiring sights and cultural experiences. The itinerary includes a visit to Piazza Riforma, the main square of Lugano, where you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city. You'll then embark on a short cruise on Lake Ceresio, giving you a moment of relaxation and a chance to take in the magnificent views. The highlight of the tour is the visit to Monte Brè, known as the sunniest mountain in Switzerland. Here, you can revel in the beauty of the surrounding alpine landscape and explore the village of Brè with its charming architecture and renowned artworks.

Who is this for?

The Monte Brè Tour is designed for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and tranquility of Lugano. Whether you're a nature lover, art enthusiast, or simply looking to escape the bustling city life, this tour offers something for everyone. Families with children can enjoy the accessible walks and picnic areas, while adventure seekers can embark on more challenging hikes. The tour caters to all age groups and interests, ensuring that no one misses out on the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Lugano.

Why book this?

Book the Monte Brè Tour for an unparalleled experience that combines natural beauty, cultural immersion, and artistic exploration. This tour offers a unique perspective of Lugano, allowing you to witness the city's transformation from the heart of the city to the serene summit of Monte Brè. The picturesque funicular ride offers breathtaking panoramic views, while the village of Brè provides a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved architecture and impressive art collection. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply seeking a peaceful getaway, this tour promises to leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for Lugano's rich heritage.

Good to know

During the Monte Brè Tour, it is important to note that the total duration is approximately 280 minutes. The meeting point is at the Lugano Region tourist office in Piazza Riforma at 12:50 p.m. The tour ends at 5:30 p.m. at Cassarate, where you can easily return to the city center by bus or a scenic 15-minute walk. It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen and water, as you will be exploring both the village of Brè and the surrounding mountain area. The tour includes various points of interest, such as the Church of San Fedele and the Wilhelm Schmid Museum, offering a diverse range of experiences for all participants.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced the Monte Brè Tour have expressed their satisfaction with the tour's immersive nature, stunning views, and cultural significance. Many praised the knowledgeable guides who provided valuable insights into the history and art of the region. Visitors were particularly captivated by the tranquility and charm of the village of Brè, noting its well-preserved architecture and the abundance of artistic masterpieces. Overall, the reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction and appreciation for this enriching and unforgettable journey through Lugano's hidden treasures.

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