We can say that Monte San Salvatore in Lugano welcomes its visitors as if they were in paradise, because when you climb the Swiss Sugarloaf Mountain, you can't help feeling that you are close to heaven. With its 360° panoramic view, the San Salvatore offers an exciting outlook of the city of Lugano and the nearby Alps. A place that offers routes and paths for hikers of all levels, that can also be reached by a comfortable funicular railway and that has welcomed pilgrims and travelers from all over the world for centuries.

Monte San Salvatore and its funicular railway

One of the quickest and most convenient ways to reach the summit is by funicular, which is 500 meters from the E-35/A 2 exit from Lugano-South; the parking area is just a few meters from the lift away. The funicular, which has been in operation since 1888, allows you to reach the summit in just 12 minutes. Two cabins are attached to the 1’650 m long, thick steel cable, which is driven by an electric motor in the intermediate station, from where the cable winds up to start the lift.

Rides take place every 30 minutes, and the uphill and downhill rides are the same length but offer different gradients, giving tourists and travelers completely different views. This is one of the most comfortable ways to climb Monte San Salvatore and is perfect for those who want to enjoy the view at leisure and reach the top quickly.

Monte San Salvatore and its finest views

According to Lorenz Hirschfeld, the 18th century German philosopher and landscape architect, you must have been to the top of Monte San Salvatore yourself to understand its grandeur and majesty. The natural landscape that can be admired from its summit is indeed incomparable.

The Capodoro terrace, located near the Vetta restaurant, is diamond-shaped and offers a view to the south. Its particular shape allows the viewer to immerse himself in nature and become the protagonist of the scenery. Moreover, since July 2020, a new and beautiful installation enriches the view from Monte San Salvatore: the Freezy Frame. This yellow frame perfectly frames the Italian Alps and the Pennine Alps, including 16 glaciers. It is the result of a collaboration with the Swiss non-governmental organization Recogn.ice, whose aim is to raise tourists' awareness of the problem of melting glaciers and the protection of the cryosphere.

Monte San Salvatore and its excursions

Monte San Salvatore is not only known for its spectacular views, but also for its impressive hiking trails, which are not only for sports enthusiasts. Once you reach the top of Sugarloaf Mountain, you can follow the path that leads to Ciona, Pazzallo and Paradiso. The nature in this area grows wild and lush, a perfect place for those who want to relax from the chaos of the city. Another beautiful path starts at Paradiso station and leads to Pazzallo.

The first stretch goes through a wood and then reaches the Morchino area, where there is a staircase that follows the route of the funicular to the middle station. From here, the trail enters a wooded area again and climbs up to the Monte San Salvatore Museum. Along this path you can walk and dream in nature while enjoying the magnificent panoramic views.

Particularly appreciated are also the colorful benches placed along the path and a series of overview panels that provide important information about the geography and history of the place. The path from the summit to Ciona is also very scenic: it is downhill and begins by leading along a rocky road full of plants and flowers before reaching a flat wooded area that leads to Ciona. Near the village is the famous San Grato Botanical Park, which can be the end point of this lovely excursion, while the more daring can continue to Morcote or hike towards Melide and visit the Swissminiatur. To return to Paradiso from here, you can take the postbus, the train, or the boat.

Monte San Salvatore and the via ferrata

Experienced athletes and those who are not only physically fit but also have a good dose of courage can try the via ferrata. This route runs along the rocky part of Monte San Salvatore, to the left of the cable car ascent, with a 150 m difference in altitude. It is a very demanding climb, 250 m long, and naturally requires considerable physical effort from participants to reach the end of the route. The climb is not easy, but the variety along the way makes for a pleasant ascent with some very interesting panoramic views. The Via Ferrata is reached via a steep path that starts from the cable car station in Pazzallo and takes about 50 minutes. After the climb, you can choose to descend to Pazzallo or climb to the summit and then take the cable car to the top of Monte San Salvatore.

The famous Swiss Sugarloaf Mountain continues to attract tourists from all over the world. It is not just a mountain, but a true concentrate of activities and leisure opportunities. Whether it's a quiet weekend with a stop at the Ristorante Vetta to enjoy the culinary tradition of Ticino, a sporty climb on the via ferrata or a carefree stroll on one of the countless paths along the mountain slopes, Monte San Salvatore always lives up to expectations.

What are you waiting for? Come and see for yourself what one of Switzerland's most famous mountains has to offer.

Pamela

Further information:
www.montesansalvatore.ch
www.luganoregion.com
www.myswitzerland.com