Monte Brè Funicular Tour: panoramic Lugano city summit and stroll in village of Brè
4.6
47 Ratings
Lugano
Embark on a scenic journey from the heart of Lugano to the summit of Monte Brè. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and explore the charming village of Brè.
Duration: 4 hours, 40 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Tourism Office of Lugano Region - Piazza Riforma: With its many bistros and restaurants, Piazza della Riforma is the city’s main place of encounter.

Throughout the year several different events, including Easter in the City, Estival Jazz, Blues to Bop, Autumn Festival and Christmas in the Square, take place here. But in the past, when the square was called Piazza Grande, it was the scene of several political events. In fact, the 15th February 1798 was a chaotic day of fighting, at the end of which, despite initial success, the enemy was pushed back by the Lugano partisans. The most enlightened members of the bourgeois took advantage of events to finally achieve long-sought independence for the town, buoyed by the slogan “Free and Swiss”. At Zurich the twelve cantons proclaimed Canton Ticino’s independence and on 16 February the citizens erected the tree of liberty in Piazza Grande. In 1830, the square took on its current name thanks to the constitutional reform.

  • Lake Lugano - Short cruise on Lake Ceresio from the center of Lugano to the small port of Cassarate, a short moment of relaxation with a breathtaking view.
  • Monte Bre - Appreciate the splendor of Monte Rosa, the Bernese and Vallese Alps as seen from the top of Switzerland’s sunniest mountain.

Ever since 1908, a cable railway has brought visitors, in a quarter of an hour, from Cassarate to Mount Bré (933metres above sea level), a locality offering many opportunities to the visitor: a big, well equipped picnic area, where it is possible to grill food, walks that are accessible to families even with small children and more difficult mountain hikes.

The village of Bré has kept intact its characteristic of ancient rural village, and in time, numerous artworks have also embellished it. You will find the works by Pasquale Gilardi, also called Lelèn, the frescoes by Joseph Birò in the Church of San Fedele, the Schmid Museum with the works, which the artist left, together with his home, to his Municipality of adoption and an open air museum consisting in the works of Aligu Sassu, Armando Losa, Emilio Rissone, Giuliano Togni, Giancarlo Tamagni, Piergiorgio Piffaretti and others.

Of course, there are also restaurants, tiny and large grotti with panoramic terraces that offer a bird’s eye view of the Lake of Lugano and of its surrounding mountains.

  • Contrada Gedra 6 - The town of Brè has maintained its characteristics of ancient rural village and has gradually enriched itself with numerous artistic works.

The decoration of the town centre with several artworks has the intent of getting a vaster public acquainted with this charming village, where such artists like Pasquale Gilardi (1885-1934), Wilhelm Schmid (1892-1971) and Josef Birò (1887-1975) lived. The artistic path starts in the square in front of the church, passes through the centre of Brè and offers visitors the opportunity of admiring the artworks of famous artists, renowned both at the national and international level. Besides the town’s artistic decoration, at Brè it’s possible to admire many other noteworthy works of art. The Wilhelm Schmid Museum, the house where the homonymous artist used to live (1892-1971), hosts an important collection of the works of the only Swiss painter who was an exponent of “Magic Nordic Realism”.

There are also several restaurants and grotti with panoramic terraces offering a superb view of the Lake of Lugano and of the surrounding mountains. The region of Mount Brè, moreover, offers an infinite number of itineraries both for hikers and mountain bike lovers that differ greatly from each other in terms of beauty and difficulty.

  • Museo Wilhelm Schmid - Located in the centre of the vil¬lage Brè, the Museum is dedicated to the work of the painter Wilhelm Schmid, an exponent of the German New Objectivity of the 20s, who moved to Ticino in 1937.
    The collection documents the important stages of his artistic development, marked by simplified forms, plain colours and strong luminosity.
What's Included
  • Expert local guide
  • Departure from Piazza Riforma at 12:50 pm
  • Scenic cable car ride
  • Relaxing cruise from Lugano to Cassarate
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

From the bustling city centre to the breathtaking pinnacle of Lugano, you will savor the stunning vista and wander around the quaint town of Brè.

From the core of the city, you make your way to the charming port of Cassarate via boat, just in the nick of time to board the sight-seeing funicular. Marvel at the magnificent view of the city’s heart, which begins to spread beneath your feet as you ascend to the most pristine apex of Lugano.

You will meander through the petite town of Brè, where life moves at a leisurely rhythm reminiscent of ye olden times. You’ll get a glimpse of the characteristic Ticinese abodes, the church, as well as various art installations.

  • The guide will speak the two prevalent languages in your group
  • In case of bad weather, the guide reserves the right to cancel or end the tour early
  • Difficulty level / walking: easy - medium. Suggested comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen.
Location
Via Massimiliano Magatti 6
Via Massimiliano Magatti
Meeting point at 12:40 p.m. at Lugano Region tourist office Via Magatti 6, Lugano.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(47 Ratings)
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G6566whpauls
Jun 8, 2024
Top notch! - Christina was incredible! Her knowledge of the area, storytelling and enthusiasm made the experience one of a kind! Fully recommend to anyone that wants to know more about the area!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Telltaletwo
Jan 28, 2024
Lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. - Went today, to the brecks for Sunday lunch, met and shown to table by Jess, ( lovely big smile, always polite and friendly.) The wife had Turkey Sunday lunch, plenty on the plate, looked and tasted great, she tells me. I had Sirloin steak, medium rare, lovely and tender with a peppercorn sauce, loved it. We were thinking of a pud, but were too full. Lovely afternoon, lovely meals, good waitress, very attentive, thanks Jess.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
105bramn
Oct 7, 2023
Highly recommended! - We had a very nice tour with guide Cristina! Christina gives a very nice personal touch to the tour. It is also very affordable, since a ticket for the funicolare is already more expensive than the price for the tour. There is also a short boat trip, where you have a beautiful view of the skyline of Lugano. In our opinion, highly recommended!
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252carol
Oct 3, 2023
Great experience - Great experience. Fabulous views. Excellent cafe/restaurant with friendly staff. Certainly recommend
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Mark_h
Sep 10, 2023
Great experience! - Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the life and history of this beautiful mountain village! We loved every minute!
Review provided by Viator
Dionne
Sep 5, 2023
Excellent tour… book it! - Amazing value, so very accommodating as had to leave early. A boat ride, and tour up Monte. Brè absolutely stunning views a tour of a lifetime really couldn’t recommend enough. Our guide was very informative and translated information in both english and french.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
824carloc
Aug 20, 2023
Nice hike - Beautiful excursion immersed in nature and art. Spectacular panorama. I recommend comfortable shoes because there is a bit of walking, but not uphill
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E5631rdtaraw
Aug 19, 2023
Reasonably priced - Very good day, the guide was very informative, also very reasonably priced considering the trip included a boat ride, the funicular and Bre village.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z3896wxjamesd
Jul 29, 2023
Monte Bre tour - This was a great deal and beautiful views. I would highly recommend. We were staying in Menaggio so we had to bail a little early to make sure we caught the last bus. But we enjoyed it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anneg936
Oct 27, 2023
Great trip - Tour guide Christine was excellent, however, they need to tell people with limited physical ability this is not the tour for them. I have only a slight issue with my knee and found this trip to be a bit troublesome for me. Uphill , uneven stones as well as at least 100 downhill stairs with no rail and stone stairs. Please be advised this is a lot of walking with uneven surfaces.
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July 2024
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