Monte Brè (Summit/Funicular)

Monte Brè is the mountain above the eastern side of Lugano, rising to 925 metres, and it is often promoted as one of the sunniest places in Switzerland. The claim rests on its position on the southern side of the Alps, where the climate is mild, and on the way the mountain rises above the lake, often catching the sun when the lowland is covered with cloud or mist, particularly in winter. Whatever the exact statistics, it is a bright and open mountain, with a view that takes in Lake Lugano, the neighbouring peak of Monte San Salvatore and the ranges of the southern Alps beyond.

The funicular that climbs the mountain has run since the early twentieth century. It begins at Cassarate, on the edge of the city, and climbs in stages, with stops along the way, up through woods and past villages. The carriages are small, the ride is slow, and the gradient steep, and the line is the classic way to get up the mountain, though the road and the paths are alternatives. The journey is as much a part of the visit as the destination, and the gradually widening view gives a sense of how Lugano is wedged between the water and the hills.

Halfway up the slope lies Brè, a village of narrow lanes and stone houses that clings to the hillside. Despite being close to the city, it has kept a village character, with small squares, old fountains, a church and a few trattorias, and it has long attracted painters and writers who liked its light and views. The village is a good place to stop on the way up or down, and it has several walking paths that lead through woods and past chapels. Visitors who walk down from the summit often pass through Brè, then continue through the lanes to the lakeside.

Walking is the main activity on Monte Brè. The summit has a restaurant and a few other places to eat and drink, as well as a viewing terrace, and from there paths lead along the ridge, down to Brè and Aldesago or toward other villages. The routes vary from easy walks of an hour to longer hikes through chestnut woods and over open slopes with views of the lake. One of the best-known walks in the region, the Olive Trail, links the lakeside district of Castagnola with the village of Gandria on the other side of the mountain, and it can be combined with a trip on the funicular to make a circuit.

The funicular runs through the year with seasonal timetables and sometimes closes for maintenance, so check the operator's website before you go. Visitors with limited mobility should note that the stations involve some steps. Weather conditions can change, so bring a jacket and sun protection. The mountain suits walkers, families, photographers and anyone who wants a view over Lugano without a long climb. Allow two to three hours for the ride and a short walk, or a half day if you plan to walk down. Combining the trip with the Ristorante Vetta at the top makes a good lunch plan.