Trans Swiss Trail, Stage 30/32

The trail leads over a thickly forested mountain crest. Exceptional views of Lugano and the lake from the San Bernardo Chapel. The town is increasingly spreading up the surrounding hills.

The hike begins on the edge of the village at the Tesserete, Stazione stop. Passing between houses and open meadows, the trail first heads towards Vaglio and then enters the forest. The ascent becomes steeper on a mountain trail marked with white-red-white waymarkers. The highest point is reached at San Bernardo, at around 690 m.

The route then descends steadily. In the forest, the Via Crucis di Comano lies directly beside the trail, before meadows and residential areas begin to alternate again near Comano. Broad hiking trails link the green chain of hills with the increasingly urban area around Lugano. The marked transition from forest to densely built-up neighbourhoods defines the second half of the hike.

Towards the end, the route passes the Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, Lugano’s most important church and the seat of the diocese. From the hill, views open up over the city and lake. Shortly afterwards, the trail leads directly to the shore of Lake Lugano. From there, the destination at the Paradiso stop is soon reached. A little over three hours should be allowed for the twelve kilometres.