Best Mountaintop Rides for Italian Lakes Views
Looking Down on Lakes Como, Maggiore, Garda and Lugano
Apr 2, 2009
While there are plenty of beautiful views of the mountains from towns around the shores of Northern Italy’s lakes, visitors get an entirely different perspective when they look down to see an entire lake spread before them. And from those high peaks, they can look off at layer after layer of Alpine scenery in every direction.
Monte Bre
The tree-clad mountain that rises directly across from Lugano's Lungolago promenade is the 3,000-foot Monte Bre. From its top are views of the entire northern arm of the lake, as well as an art trail to a picturesque village. To reach the funicular, take #12 bus from the waterfront to Cassarate/Monte Bre stop. (Daily, mid-June through September)
Monte San Salvadore
Within walking distance of the Paradiso boat landing and Lugano’s rail station, one of Europe's oldest funiculars ascends 3000-foot summit of Monte San Salvadore. Views sweep 360 degrees, encompassing both arms of the lake, northern Lake Maggiore and a panorama of Swiss and Italian Italian Alps that includes Monte Rosa. Picnic at the top or visit the Museo San Salvador, with minerals, fossils and ecclesiastical art or walk the path to Ciona, atop a neighboring mountain. (Daily March through November).
Brunate
Ascending at a 55% incline, the vintage funicular climbs 3500 feet from the town of Como to the terrace village of Brunate for panoramic views of the lower lake and mountains. To see the Alps and the lakeshore towns to the north, climb the path to another terrace, made even more enticing with the outdoor tables of La Regonda. (Daily, year-round).
Monta Bisbino
Above the western shore of Lake Como, the international boundary between Italy and Switzerland runs close to the 4000-foot summit of Monta Bisbino, which can be reached by a cable car or by road. To find either, leave Cernobbio heading north on S-340 and watch for signs to Monta Bisbino to reach this spectacular panorama.
Monte Baldo
Views down onto Lake Garda and across to the Alpine foothills and Dolomite peaks are a 10-minute ride from Malcesine, on board a state-of-the-art 360-degree windowed Funivia (cable car) that carries passengers up the 5000-foot mountain that forms the eastern shore of the lake. The cabin of the cable car rotates, giving passengers a constantly changing vista. Trails along the mountain's long ridgetop, known for its alpine wildflowers. (Daily,April through October)
Monte Mottarone
From Piazalle Lido, north of the center of Stessa, a cable car to Monte’s summit gives a constantly widening view of the elegant lakeside hotels and the Borromean Islands, just offshore. Views from the tip include Lake Maggiore and smaller Lake Orta, as well as the Alps and often Milan. (Daily, May through September)
