It's worth making the trip here just for the views of the city and Lake Lugano. Opposite stands San Salvatore, Monte San Giorgio looms above the lake and dam of Melide and the Valais Alps can be seen to the west.
Funicular railways run in two sections from the edge of Lugano to Monte Brè, the scenic mountain above the lake basin and the vibrant city. The short lower section to Ruvigliana was opened in 1908, before the railway reached Monte Brè in 1912. It is considered the sunniest mountain in Switzerland, which may explain why it is home to the rare and protected Christmas rose, otherwise found only in Southern Europe.
Our advice is stop for a while on the "summit" – where two restaurants with a sun terrace welcome you. Descents down to Lugano or the lake, always via the Brè village, are in part pretty steep, as are the nature and archaeological trail to Gandria.
The romantic little Brè village with its grottos has succeeded in maintaining its original character of country settlement – further embellished by numerous works of art.
Information
Altitude: 925m
Accessibility:
From the Lugano station, city bus to Cassarate, funicular rail in 2 sections to Monte Brè;
Bus connection Lugano to Brè Paese
View: Over San Salvatore and the Lake Lugano, Melide reservoir and Monte San Giorgio; as well as Valais Alps in the west.
Attractions: Scenic mountain, starting point for mountain bike tours
Culinary aspects: Package offer: Lunch and Train Ride
Ticino specialities
Overnight stays: Hotels in the Brè village
Groups: Restaurant Vetta 45 people inside, 175 people on the terrace
Osteria della Funicolare for typical local snacks by the mountain station
Winter: January/February no rail operations
Special comments: July/August – until 23.00 on Fridays and Saturdays
Reduced rate mountain rail ascent with the Swiss Travel Pass/GA travelcard.
Buy your tickets on arrival at the station.
