"Lugano" Lugano by travelfrosch

Lugano Travel Guide: 390 reviews and 1,036 photos

It's a bit sunnier down here - Lugano
It's a bit sunnier down here
A Slightly Different Climate

This was my second trip to Lugano, Sara's first. We departed Wasserauen on the Appenzell Bahn to Herisau, where we transferred to the Voralpen Express to Arth-Goldau. From there, we took a main-line train through the San Gottardo Pass to Lugano. We left cold, damp Wasserauen and arrived at sunny Lugano, where it was downright hot. We must've looked rather odd in our sweaters and Gore-tex. After checking into Hotel San Carlo, we made a beeline for the lake boats. Free with our Swiss Pass, we cruised around the lake to Gandria. At Gandria, we got off and walked the couple of miles back to Lugano.

Monte Bre to Alpe Bolla
View of Lugano from high above - Lugano

View of Lugano from high above

The next day, we made for the Monte Bre funicular. From there, we made the journey to Alpe Bolla, a beautiful grotto outside Lugano. Unfortunately, we made a wrong turn and ended up hiking all the way back to Lugano's outskirts. We picked up a city bus at the end of the line and made it back into town. It did afford us some nice views as we hiked back down, though.

Relaxing in the Evening
Mother and baby swans. Awwwww..... - Lugano

Mother and baby swans. Awwwww.....

The final evening, we ate at an outdoor cafe. We had the good fortune to witness a military change of command ceremony in the main square while we were eating. Alas, we didn't have our camera.

We took an after-dinner stroll by Lake Lugano. As we were walking, we noticed a swan and her babies along the shore. Sara ran back to the room to grab our camera. Nothing like a cute baby bird photo... ;)

The next morning, we took the funicular up to the train station and made our way to Locarno. From Locarno, we picked up the Centovalli Railway to Domodossola. We then took a main-line train through the Simplon Tunnel to Brig and on to our next destination, Kandersteg.

  • Last visit to Lugano: Jun 2005
  • Intro Updated Jan 8, 2006
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Reviews (3)

The Centovalli has lots of bridges - Lugano Centovalli Railway Transportation (1)

A scenic way to get to or from Ticino is the Centovalli Railway. This private railway runs from Locarno to Domodossola,... more travel advice

Alpe Bolla - Lugano Hiking with an Italian Accent Things to Do (1)

Lugano is a good base for hiking. Ticino in general is ideal for those who want to hike early in the season, as the... more travel advice

From the hotel's website - Lugano Good 2-Star Hotel near Piazza Della... Hotels (1)

The hotel was clean and comfortable. The staff was friendly and helpful. The room was of good size with ensuite... more travel advice

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