Monte Brè

9 Highlights of Monte Brè

• Monte Brè is located in Ticino at 925 m above sea level.
• It is one of the local mountains of Lugano and the sunniest mountain in Switzerland.
• The panoramic mountain lets you look directly on Lugano and the Lugano Bay.
• The further view reaches up to the mountains Monte San Salvatore and Monte San Giorgio.
• At the summit you will find two restaurants and a hotel as well as two grotti in the village of Brè.
• The picturesque village has pretty old houses, narrow streets and lots of art.
• Monte Brè is a popular starting point for mountain bike tours.
• The network of hiking trails offers partly steep descents, but also moderately difficult hikes.
• The nature and archaeology trail leads to Gandria. There you can board a boat that will take you back to Lugano.

Monte Brè is a paradise for hikers and excursionists. Especially popular are tours by mountain bike.

Sights on Monte Brè

Monte Brè offers beautiful views of Lake Lugano and its surroundings. But you should also visit the romantic village of Brè.

The village of Brè on the slopes of Monte Brè

The village of Brè is located at 785 meters above sea level and thus about 140 meters in altitude below the summit. Many hiking trails pass through the village. Despite its proximity to Lugano, it has preserved its original appearance. In addition, you will be surprised by impressive works of art scattered throughout the village center. Painters, sculptors and architects show their works. The circular route "Arredo Artistico" starts from the church square.

Restaurants on Monte Brè

The Restaurant Vetta is located on the sunny slope and has a panoramic terrace with an incomparable view. You look out over Lake Lugano and Lugano. Opposite, on the other side of the bay, Monte San Salvatore is clearly visible.

The Osteria Funicolare offers a very similar, beautiful view of the Gulf of Lugano. There is a sun terrace here as well. Other restaurants on the mountain are the Osteria Salotto Brè and the Grotto Castagneto.

Monte Brè Cable Cars

You can reach Monte Brè from Lugano using the funicular in two sections.

Section 1:

• Base station: Lugano Cassarate
• Top station: Suvigliana
• The train has a maximum capacity of 30 people and runs continuously every 15 minutes from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Section 2:

• Base station: Suvigliana
• Intermediate stations: Albonago - Aldesago - Brè Villaggio
• Top station: Monte Brè
• This train can carry up to 68 people and operates every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In summer, the operating hours are extended in the evening.

The base station in Lugano Cassarate has very limited parking. It's better to come here using public transport.

Mountain bikes can be transported in Section 2 with the appropriate tickets. Dogs are also allowed, but larger ones require a ticket. Unfortunately, wheelchairs cannot be transported (due to turnstiles at the entry and exit).

Offer at Swiss Activities:

• Ticket for Monte Brè Cable Car

Activities on Monte Brè

Besides hikes, mountain bike tours are very popular on Monte Brè. Please note that they are only transported by the cable car in section 2. Very dirty bikes will not be taken.

Monte Brè Hikes

The hikes vary from medium to difficult mountain hikes. Footwear suitable for the mountain is essential here. Children should be secured with a rope on steep paths.

Nature and Archaeology Trail

A very popular hike goes from the village of Brè to Gandria on the shores of Lake Lugano. From Gandria it is best to take the boat back to Lugano.

The well signposted nature trail starts at the southern edge of the church square. It is listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance (BLN). On the way you will come across an archaeologically significant erratic boulder at Predescia. Symbols have been carved into it, showing squares, crosses, crucibles and footprints. In addition, the special fauna, vegetation and geological features are pointed out.

A small selection of hiking possibilities on Monte Brè:

route	length (km)	time (hrs)	difficulty	condition
Monte Brè - Village Brè - Ruvigliana - Cassarate	5.02	1:35	medium	medium
Monte Brè - Brè village - Monte Boglia - Denti Della Veccia - Cimadera	13.63	5:50	medium	difficult
Monte Brè - village Brè - Curregia - village Brè - viewpoint Aldesago - Monte Brè	7.23	2:15	medium	hard
Monte Brè - village Brè - alpine hut Alpe Bolla - Villa Luganese	8.52	3:00	medium	medium
Monte Brè - village Brè - Carbonera - viewpoint Crus - village Brè - Monte Brè	6.48	2:25	medium	medium

Mountain biking on Monte Brè

You can take your mountain bike (for a fee) in the cable car section 2. Bikes are not transported in section 1. You can rent mountain bikes and helmets at Monte Brè.

• Rental request and contract in Ruvigliana
• Pick up at Monte Brè in the summit station
• Return in Suvigliana or in the summit station Monte Brè

MTB tours on Monte Brè:

route	length (km)	time (hrs)	difficulty	condition
Monte Brè Vetta - Brè - Alpe Bolla - Pregassona	16	2	medium	medium
Monte Brè Vetta - Brè - Aldesago - Suvigliana	9.5	0.40	easy	light

Getting to Monte Brè

Monte Brè is located near Lugano. You can reach the mountain from the Lugano-Cassarate valley station using the funicular.

By Public Transport

From Lugano, you can take the bus (lines 2 and 12 TPL) to Lugano Cassarate in just a few minutes.

By Car

If you're driving, take the A2 highway and exit at Lugano. There are very few parking spaces at the valley station in Lugano Cassarate, so it’s not recommended to drive here. It’s better to park your car in the center of Lugano and take the bus.

Monte Brè is one of the most impressive peaks in Ticino. The main highlight is the stunning view of Lugano and Lake Lugano, along with the surrounding peaks.