San Salvatore: panorama trail to Morcote
Overview
Intro
The superb panoramic mountain of San Salvatore is one of Lugano’s landmarks. The hike from the summit through chestnut forests along the banks of the lake to Morcote is a true classic.
Description
The 360-degree panoramic views from the panoramic terrace are hard to beat, extending from Lake Lugano over the Po Valley to the peaks of the Swiss and Savoy Alps. Getting to the top of San Salvatore is not a problem as the funicular railway climbs to 909 metres above sea level from Lugano-Paradiso in just 12 minutes.
The descent to Morcote starts off steeply, but from Ciona the trail follows easy paths with no major ascents or descents, taking you through the forest to the artists’ village of Carona, which was a source of inspiration for Hermann Hesse, amongst others. Here, the botanical garden Parco San Grato with its collection of rhododendrens, azaleas and conifers is well worth a visit.
An easy forest trail leads from Carona past the 17th century pilgrimage church Madonna d’Ongero. After an hour, you will reach Alpe Vicania, where the “grotto” restaurant holds a magical attraction for the locals in summer. Running idyllically through a chestnut forest and down hundreds of steps, the trail finally arrives back at the lake in picturesque Morcote, where a boat trip back to Lugano makes for a relaxed ending to this wonderful Ticino hike.
Getting here: Funicular railway from Lugano-Paradiso to San Salvatore (whole year) Getting back: Bus or boat from Morcote
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Destination |
Morcote
|
|---|---|
| Elevation level - Direction |
Before alps, One way
|
| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
886 m
|
| Ascent |
232 m
|
| Descent |
846 m
|
| Distance |
10 km
|
| Duration |
3 h
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
March - November
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view, To a mountain peak
|
| Category |
Active, Nature
|
Ente Turistico del Luganese
Via Giovanni Nizzola 2
6901
Lugano
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)58 220 65 00
info@luganoregion.com
luganoregion.com
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