There’s a simple way to feel on top of the world: take the funicular from Cassarate to the summit of Monte Brè. In just a few minutes, Lugano shrinks into a miniature model, and the lake unfolds beneath your eyes. From up there, at 933 meters, the real adventure begins.

Once at the top, I began my descent on foot, a journey of about 8 km that turned out to be one of the most beautiful experiences in the area. The walk, lasting around 2.5 hours, led me to the picturesque fishing village of Gandria, a gem nestled on the lake’s shore.

From Gandria, the hike continued beautifully along the Olive Grove Trail (Sentiero dell’Ulivo), a themed path that follows the lake to Castagnola. Walking among ancient olive trees, with the sound of the water, was a magical moment. Finally, from Castagnola, a short walk along the lakeside promenade took me back to Cassarate, right where I had left my car, completing a perfect loop.

Why this itinerary is special:

• Complete: It combines a funicular ride, downhill trekking, a historic village, and a lakeside walk.
• Varied: From Alpine peaks to the Mediterranean tranquility of olive groves in a single day.
• Logical: It starts and ends at the same point, perfect for those traveling by car.

Practical Guide for Your Loop Trail ⛰️✨

• 🚠 Funicular (Departure from Cassarate):
  • Price: One-way: 17 CHF. With the Half-Fare Card (Halbtax), I paid only 8.50 CHF!
  • Hours: Runs every 30 min. Base hours are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, with extended hours in spring/summer.
• 👟 Ideal Outfit:
  • Hiking shoes with good grip.
  • Layer up (t-shirt, fleece, windbreaker) 👕🧥.
• 🎒 In Your Backpack:
  • Water 💧 and snacks 🍎.
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses 😎
• 🗺️ The 4-Step Itinerary:
• 1. Ascent: Take the funicular from Cassarate to Monte Brè.
• 2. Descent: Follow the trails down towards Gandria.
• 3. Lakeside Walk: From Gandria, take the Olive Grove Trail to Castagnola.
• 4. Return: From Castagnola, walk along the lakeside promenade back to Cassarate.

The Perfect Ending

This day reminded me that the best adventures are often a mosaic of different experiences. In just a few hours, I went from Alpine peaks to the Mediterranean calm of olive groves, from the convenience of a funicular to the slow pace of a historic trail. Monte Brè isn’t just a mountain; it’s an invitation to create your own path, to connect the dots on the map and design a unique experience. And sometimes, the sweetest ending is the one you don’t expect, right there, on the shore of the lake.