Last updated on December 25th, 2021 at 03:45 am
Did you know you can go on a day trip to Switzerland from Italy? Yes! This is very much the case if you are in Milan. While Lake Como is one of the most sought-after day trip options from Milan, you can go beyond Lake Como and visit Lugano in Switzerland.
But wait! Lugano has many hidden gems in store for day-trippers and one of them is the beautiful Monte Bre.
One of the localites we met in Italy, recommended Monte Bre, and mentioned this is the place where Swiss people go on day trips from Lugano. We couldn’t thank him more for this as Monte Bre turned out to be one of the best day trip destinations we have ever been to!
Where Is Monte Bre?
Monte Bre is a small mountain east of Lugano and is considered one of the sunniest points in Switzerland.
Monte Bre is just a few minutes from the center of Lugano. It offers you various activities ranging from hiking to mountain biking, art, or simply relaxing.
How To Reach Monte Bre On A Day Trip From Milan?
Take the train from Milan Centrale to Lake Lugano for a day trip from Milan to Monte Bre. Monte Bre summit is accessible via Funicular.
You can reach Monte Bre’s Funicular (Cable Car) and reach the top from two stations at Lugano.:
· Lugano Cassarate, lines 2, 11, and 12 TPL (Cassarate-Monte Brè bus stop) – we took this one.
· Ruvigliana, line 11 TPL (Ruvigliana bus stop).
Upon reaching Lugano, you will need to buy your bus tickets from the train station itself. The bus will take you from Lugano Rail Station to a drop-off point in central Lugano. Follow the signboard (like above) and walk a little ahead to reach the Funicular Station.
Reaching the summit by Funicular is an experience! You can enjoy an incredible view of the lake, the city, and the surrounding mountains.
Monte Bre Funicular Stop The Funicular at Monte Bre
The Funicular ride is divided into two parts. You need to get down after the first Funicular ride, cross the road and take the next funicular. In just 10 minutes, you can reach the top of Monte Bre.
Check out the timetable and rates here: www.montebre.ch
The other way of reaching the top of Monte Bre is hiking. The hiking trail is just next to the funicular station.
Things To Do In Monte Bre On A Day Trip From Milan
A) Panoramic View Of Lake Lugano
Hold your breath! You are up for a breathtaking view of Lake Lugano from the top of Monte Bre. It was a bit cloudy that day – but even an overcast sky could not mar the beauty of Switzerland.
Several viewpoints provide some of the best views of the surroundings. While Lake Lugano itself is very pretty and you can go for boating in the lake, it looks more gorgeous from the top here at Monte Bre.
B) Spend Time With Family And Nature
Monte Bre is the perfect escape from the city, and you can dive in an atmosphere of yesteryear, surrounded by pure nature – just the atmosphere that you will be able to enjoy at the top of Mount Bre (933 meters above sea level). This place is also equipped with a playground making it ideal for kids to have a great time on the mountain top.
C) Excursions – Hiking
This day trip from Milan has lots of Things to do in store! Do you love Hiking? Monte Bre offers you a wide range of excursions suiting the tastes of one and all. The many trails, all of which are well marked, offer several alternatives – from restful walks through woods to more difficult trails that lead up to the nearby peaks.
D) Excursions – Mountain Bikes
The Monte Bre region has numerous signposted routes race set out from the summit, offering day-trippers plenty of different options in terms of difficulty level and panoramic views.
If you don’t have your bike, there are lots of mountain bikes available for hire at the funicular railway station.
E) Dine at a Restaurant at summit
One of the best parts of this day trip from Milan is the amazing food.
Monte Bre is in Switzerland and at the border of Italy. So you get to indulge in a mix of cuisines of both the countries.
The top of Monte Bre is the ideal spot for a gastronomic break after a walk or a mountain hike. The Osteria della Funicolare; at the station’s exit at the top, the tavern is a welcoming and characteristic place serving typical regional dishes. You can even eat outside with an incredible view over the gulf.
The Vetta Restaurant will conquer all those who want to relax on the gorgeous terrace getting a taste of regional dishes.
Spend Some Time In Lugano On A Day Trip From Milan
Chances are, you won’t be having much time left after you have explored Monte Bre and have to return to Milan. If time permits, you can go for a scenic boat ride in Lake Lugano and indulge in some shopping from one of the malls.
Final Thought
I can vouch for the fact that I fall in love with Switzerland while visiting Monte Bre on a day trip from Milan.
Have you been to Monte Bre? Let me know in the comments below.
