The 5 best hikes to do in Ticino in 2026

1. Mount Brè – Lugano

🚶Difficulty: Easy - ⏱ Average time: 1h30

↔️Distance: 4 km (round trip) - 📈Elevation gain: 300m

This hike is ideal for those who want a 360° view of Lugano and its lake (without having to trek for 5 hours). At the summit: breathtaking views. You can see Lugano, the lake, and the Alps in the distance. There's also the Rifugio Monte Brè restaurant with its Ticinese dishes (try the gnocchi al ragù). Monte Brè (925 m) is the "balcony of Lugano," and you can access it:

• On foot (1h30 ascent from Cassarate).
• By funicular (10 min from Lugano, 12 CHF round trip).

Muule's little tips:

Even if the hike isn't very long, remember your cap or hat, and your sunglasses. And especially men's hiking shoes or women's hiking shoes to climb like a chamois. Muule's advice: Go at sunset for a magical moment (and amazing photos).

2. The Olive Grove Trail (Lugano – Gandria)

🚶Level: Easy - ⏱ Average time: 2h30

↔️ 6 km (loop) - 📈 Elevation gain 200m

The most "dolce vita" hike in Ticino. You start in Lugano, a chic city with many yachts, and you finish in Gandria, a fishing village with cobbled streets. In between? Olive trees as far as the eye can see and breathtaking views of the lake. Fun fact: These olive trees were planted by the Romans. So yes, you are literally walking in Julius Caesar's footsteps (or almost).

For the start, you can take the funicular from Lugano to San Salvatore (we won't judge you). From there, the path gently descends towards Carabbia, along the Olive Trail, an old mule track that winds among ancient trees. Once in Gandria, you have two options: walk back like a brute (allow an extra 1 hour) or take the boat to Lugano (10 min, 8 CHF, and zero effort).

Muule's little tips:

Here, you can bring your waterproof and breathable jacket in case the weather gets tricky. But most importantly, food and a water bottle so you don't run out of energy, or worse... pass out.

3. Lago di Lei – the secret hike even the Swiss don't know about

🚶Level: Medium - ⏱Average time: 3h30

↔️10 km (loop) - 📈Elevation gain: 400m

Why we love it: Because no one talks about it, and that's what makes it great. Lago di Lei is a mountain lake hidden in the Ferrera valley, on the border with Italy. Here, no tourists, no noise, just calm, nature, and breathtaking landscapes.

You start in Ferrera, then you climb through forests and alpine pastures. You arrive at the lake, a small turquoise gem surrounded by mountains. But swimming is forbidden! Bonus: If you're brave, you can walk around the lake (allow 1 extra hour).

Muule's little tips:

For this hike, technical socks and hiking poles will be useful to return without blisters and with your knees in good shape! All you'll have to do is put on your women's mid-height hiking shoes or men's, to scramble along the Swiss trails.

4. Gotthard Path (Airolo – Göschenen)

🚶 Level: Moderate to difficult - Average time: 4h

↔️ 12 km (one way) - Elevation gain 800m

In Ticino, this is the most "Indiana Jones" hike. You cross the Gotthard Pass, used since the Middle Ages by merchants and pilgrims. You will pass by mountain lakes and stone bridges. You can even visit the Gotthard Hospice, an old refuge for travelers lost in the mists, or the old Gotthard railway tunnel.

Starting from Airolo (accessible by train from Bellinzona), you head towards the Passo del San Gottardo. Once you arrive in Göschenen, you can take the train back. Or you can walk back if you have faith in your legs.

Muule's tips:

Take a large backpack (20-30L) if you want to enjoy the view without hiking in survival mode and carefully selecting your gear. Inside the bag, bring sunscreen, and your insulated water bottle to keep your water cool.

5. The Via Alta della Verzasca (or the Swiss Game of Thrones)

🚶 Level: Difficult - Average time: 8-10h (or 2-3h per stage)

↔️ 25 km (in several sections) - Elevation gain 1,200m

The Verzasca is an emerald green canyon, stone bridges, and clear waters. It's also the spot where James Bond parachuted in GoldenEye (yes, we checked). Other spots to see: Ponte dei Salti, the most famous stone bridge on the route, and its pebble-lined river.

Starting point: Sonogno, in the north of the valley. From there, you can: do the whole thing, or a section (for example, Sonogno → Lavertezzo, 3 hours, the most photogenic). Arrive at Tenero if you do the whole thing, from where you can take the train back. Otherwise, Lavertezzo has parking and buses.

Muule's little tips:

If you're going for the whole thing, you'll need a backpack of at least 30L, and we recommend a first aid kit, you never know what you're dealing with. And above all, a men's breathable technical T-shirt or women's to get back dry (or almost).