Monte San Salvatore - Ticino

360° panoramic lake and mountain views

View from San Salvatore
 
About Monte San Salvatore

Available: March - November.

Example travel costs

Swiss Travel Pass: FREE to the funicular station then 16 Sfr return

Ticino Ticket: FREE to the funicular station then 26 Sfr return

Half Fare Card: 5 Sfr from Lugano to the funicular station then 16 Sfr return

You can easily spot Monte San Salvatore from Lugano centre, with its distinctive shape. The funicular from Lugano Paradiso takes 15 minutes to reach the summit, which lies at 912m above sea level. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking views of Lake Lugano, the local mountains and the higher Swiss Alps. Try the restaurant with its beautiful panoramic terrace.

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com


Highlights

Historic funicular

The funicular dates from 1890 (although it has been modernised since then) and is divided into two sections of 830m. The first section departs from Paradiso and has a gradient of up to 37%, while the second section is up to 61%. The track is not electrified and the two carriages are linked via a steel towing cable.

Amazing views

On arrival at the funicular station, you can ascend the stairs to the viewing area and be rewarded with stunning views in all directions. The deep blue of the lake and the lush green of the mountains make for a truly beautiful sight and it is said that on a clear day you can see all the way to Milan. 

Panoramic lunch

The Vetta is a restaurant with its own panoramic veranda and an outdoor terrace. Enjoy a Mediterranean lunch with a view, or simply a cool drink.

The church and museum

Perched at the top of the mountain is a centuries old church - a fascinating sight. Even when the church is closed you can climb the outside stairs for views from its roof. 

There is also a museum (limited opening hours) which has artistic and geological exhibits as well as a room dedicated to the research of lightning which was carried out here. 

Souvenirs are available to buy in the Corner of Curiosities.

Nature walk

Follow the marked 'nature trail', which is about 2km long and offers several different viewing points over the lake as you proceed. It is a gentle walk, suitable for famiies. There are also more challenging hiking routes for the more serious walker.  


Directions

From Lugano, you could take a leisurely walk to the funicular base station which is located in the neighbouring village of Paradiso. You can also make your way by bus, or one stop on the train. 

The funicular offers wheelchair access.

Please check before travel for maintenance closures. 

 

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

View from San Salvatore

More excursions in the region

The Ticino has a distinct Italian influence and it is a joy to cruise to an idyllic village for a lakeside lunch. As well as any number of cruises, there's subtropical gardens and an array of funiculars and cable cars to take you up to mountains which offer panoramic views over the region.

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Your choice of resorts

Morcote village on Lake Lugano

The Italian speaking canton of Ticino occupies the balmy lakelands of the southern foothills of the Alps. There are a choice of lakeside resorts such as Ascona, Lugano, Locarno, all offering cruises, mountain visits, walking opportunities and excellent cuisine.

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San Salvatore video


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