If you’re lucky enough to find yourself vacationing in beautiful Lugano, nestled in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, there’s one spot you shouldn’t miss: Monte Brè.
Known as the sunniest mountain in Switzerland, Monte Brè is a place we’ve explored more times than we can count (especially in those golden summer and autumn months), and it’s always an incredible experience.
At 925 meters, it’s not the tallest peak around, but the views? Absolutely breathtaking. From the summit, you can gaze out over the city of Lugano and take in all its beauty from six different lookout points. And there’s more than just the view: if you love a good hike, check out the natural and archaeological trail to Gandria. It’s a scenic path that winds through lush landscapes, providing stunning vistas of the lake below.
Then, of course, there’s the “Art’s Route” that starts right from the Brè town center. This charming village, where artists like Pasquale Gilardi, Wilhelm Schmid, and Josef Birò once lived, is dotted with beautiful artworks designed to introduce visitors to Brè’s unique cultural heritage.
So, whether you’re excited to hike, savor breathtaking views over a delicious meal, or discover local art, join us as we guide you through everything you need to know to make your visit to Monte Brè unforgettable!
How to Get to Monte Brè from Lugano
Route No. 1
- Take a train to the main Lugano train station (Lugano, Stazione).
- Then ride Bus 2 (direction Castagnola, Capolinea).
- It’s about a 15 minute ride, and the buses depart every 30 minutes. From the bus stop it’s a short walk to the funicular station.
- From Cassarate, a short funicular ride will take you to the main station and cash desk in Ruvigliana. This is where you buy your ticket for the Monte Brè funicular and board the second train.
- The funicular departs from Cassarate every 15 minutes starting at 7:00 am, and from Suvigliana every 30 minutes starting at 9:00 am.
Route No. 2
- Alternatively, I suggest walking from the train station through town and along the water to reach the funicular station in Cassarate that takes you up to the summit.
The cable car does not operate in January and February.
Route No. 3
- If you plan to drive to the funicular station, you can park for free at Campo Marzio – Via Campo Marzio 1, 6900 Lugano.
- But you must request a free parking exit ticket when purchasing your funicular ticket (at funicular section II).
- It’s a 10 min walk from the parking to the funicular station. There is also metered parking a bit closer at Piazza Riscossa 16, 6900 Lugano.
Route No. 4
- You can drive to the top of Monte Brè on a narrow winding road but it’s not recommended. There is limited parking next to Ristorante Vetta near the top of Monte Brè.
- There is a larger metered parking lot in the Brè village (Brè sopra Lugano, Via al Pozzo, 6979 Lugano), about a 15 min walk up to the top of Monte Brè.
Either way, it’s about a 25 min drive from the Lugano freeway exit.
Best things to Do and See
Enjoy Panoramic Views
The view from the summit is most beautiful. From this mountaintop terrace you can admire the curve of the bay in which the town of Lugano sits and see far reaching views of the lake and the Ticino mountains. On a clear day, you can see as far as Monte Rosa and the Bernese and Valais Alps.
Discover the village of Brè
A short walk (trail and stairway, about 20 minutes) descends to the center of Brè, at 785 meters’ elevation. Once a farmer’s village, it has become a desired holiday and residence location, also appreciated by representatives of the arts and culture. Swiss painter Wilhelm Schmid (1892-1971) and Hungarian Josef Birò (1887-1975) all lived here.
Birò’s work can be admired along the “Via Crucis” and his contemporary frescoes in the parish church. Outside the church, a Luigi Taddei painting of San Cristoforo can also be admired. A tangible sign of the interest this little village arouses is also visible through the artistic decor that embellishes it.
Visit the Wilhelm Schmid Museum
In the house where Wilhelm Schmid once lived, you’ll find a museum dedicated to his work. Schmid was a key figure in the “New Objectivity” movement that took off in Germany in the 1920s, and this museum offers a glimpse into his unique artistic legacy. Open from April to October and with free entry, it’s well worth a visit!
Hike from Monte Brè down to Gandria
The hike kicks off right at the summit of Monte Brè, then continues to Brè village, then passes through a forest before ending in Gandria at the bottom of Monte Brè.
The descent is pretty steep and slippery in places, so we were glad we were walking down instead of up! The entire hike took us about 2 hours after leaving the summit, including time spent walking around Brè village.
Good hiking shoes are recommended. Since you are walking through a forest, make sure to put on tick spray.
Where to Eat
There are numerous scenic picnic spots on Monte Brè, or you can try one of the restaurants. Both the Osteria della Funicolare and Ristorante La Vetta offer regional dishes and amazing views from their terraces.
Located right next to the top funicular station, Osteria Funiculare Monte Brè offers delicious dishes of the Ticinese culinary tradition from its lovely terrace.
At the Vetta restaurant, you can enjoy a 180° view of the Gulf of Lugano from a panoramic terrace, the symbol of this restaurant. A wide range of culinary options with dishes suitable for all palates will enrich and complete your visit.
Just outside the village of Brè, you also have the chance to stop for a culinary break at the Salotto Brè and the Grotto Castagneto.
How Much Does It Cost To Visit Monte Brè
- For Adults: A single one-way ticket for adults (over 16 years) costs CHF 17, a return ticket costs CHF 26.
- For Kids: Kids between 6 and 16 pay for a one-way ticket CHF 8.50 and for a return ticket CHF 13.00.
- Swiss Travel Pass Benefits in Lugano: If you have a Swiss Travel Pass, you get free rides on local buses in Lugano, a 50% discount off tickets for the Monte Brè funicular, and free boat rides.
Both funiculars run year round, except for a maintenance break from mid January to mid February. Check current schedule here.
Conclusion
Wrapping up a day at Monte Brè, it’s easy to see why this spot is a favorite in Lugano and all of southern Switzerland. With its stunning views over the lake and mountains and its network of beautiful hiking trails, Monte Brè has a little something for everyone—whether you’re there for a challenging hike, a scenic picnic, or just to soak up those unforgettable panoramas. If you’re exploring the Ticino region, don’t miss the chance to experience Monte Brè. It’s one of those places that leaves you with memories as beautiful as the views themselves.
