Lugano Bike – one of the most attractive single trails in the Ticino winds its way as a high trail around the Val Colla above Lugano and leads through the hilly forests of Malcantone to the imposing Monte Tamaro. A fantastic tour with spectacular panoramic views.
The individual sections offer wide diversity. As an example, along the stretch between the Monte Bre and Rivero and in Malcantone. The entire tour is characterized by varied and interesting countryside with fairy-tale forests and lush Alpine meadows.
Map
The first part of the ridge between the Pairolo and Gola di Lago, a biking classic, is spectacularly scenic and lined with three cosy huts. In contrast however, the Malcantone lies on a valley slope at the foot of the mountain, with lush forests and picturesque villages bearing witness to past activities and monuments of historical and artistic importance.
The first half of the tour is marked by an impressive panorama, green Alpine meadows and babbling streams. The second leads through an enchanting natural oasis. Forests of birch, chestnut and oak, both local and introduced species of trees, alternate along the entire route.
The route leads through the area of the region’s most famous mountains: the Monté Brè, Monte Bar and Monte Tamaro. However, it is best to take the aerial gondola up the Monte Lema. From the four peaks you are treated to impressive views of the city of Lugano and its large lake, the imposing backdrop of the Bernese and Valais Alps, Lago Maggiore and neighbouring Italy. A perfect panorama route dotted with regional discoveries.
Flowing single trails on natural surfaces alternate with links on asphalt roads.
A tour combining nature, panoramic views, history and culture. The route uses the development potential of the regional bike network. Only a few of Switzerland’s bike routes can offer such variety.
STAGES:
Lugano Bike Stage 1: Lugano – Pairolo 23.1 km
In natural surroundings, yet close to town. Up the M. Brè by aerial cableway (from Suvigliana). Bre-Sonvico section on wooded single trails, to Pairolo on unpaved roads, mostly in open country. From M. Bar and M. Roveraccio fantastic views of the Luganese (Lugano District) and the valleys.
Distance
Asphalted: 23 km
Ascent
Natural surface: 8 km
of which Singletrail: 7 km
Descent
Grade: medium
Title
Fitness level: difficult
LENGTH
23.1 km
LENGTH OF WHICH UNSURFACED
7.4 km (7.4 of 23.1)
LENGTH OF WHICH SINGLETRAIL
6 km (6 of 7.4)
HEIGHT DIFFERENCE
Lugano (Monte Brè)–Pairolo: 1337 m
Show height profile
REQUIREMENTS
medium
TIME
Lugano (Monte Bré)-Pairolo: 4 h 20′
CONDITIONS
difficult
One of the most attractive single trails in the Ticino winds its way as a high trail around the Val Colla above Lugano and leads through the hilly forests of Malcantone to the imposing Monte Tamaro. A fantastic tour with spectacular panoramic views.
The individual sections offer wide diversity. As an example, along the stretch between the Monte Bre and Rivero and in Malcantone. The entire tour is characterized by varied and interesting countryside with fairy-tale forests and lush Alpine meadows. The first part of the ridge between the Pairolo and Gola di Lago, a biking classic, is spectacularly scenic and lined with three cosy huts. In contrast however, the Malcantone lies on a valley slope at the foot of the mountain, with lush forests and picturesque villages bearing witness to past activities and monuments of historical and artistic importance.
The first half of the tour is marked by an impressive panorama, green Alpine meadows and babbling streams. The second leads through an enchanting natural oasis. Forests of birch, chestnut and oak, both local and introduced species of trees, alternate along the entire route.
The route leads through the area of the region’s most famous mountains: the Monté Brè, Monte Bar and Monte Tamaro. However, it is best to take the aerial gondola up the Monte Lema. From the four peaks you are treated to impressive views of the city of Lugano and its large lake, the imposing backdrop of the Bernese and Valais Alps, Lago Maggiore and neighbouring Italy. A perfect panorama route dotted with regional discoveries.
Flowing single trails on natural surfaces alternate with links on asphalt roads.
A tour combining nature, panoramic views, history and culture. The route uses the development potential of the regional bike network. Only a few of Switzerland’s bike routes can offer such variety.
Lugano Bike Stage 2: Pairolo – Rivera 30.6 km
Thrilling panorama trail. Pairolo Gola di Lago on the mountain ridge, alternating single trail and unpaved roads. Fairy-tale landscape, characterized by Alpine meadows and pastures, as well as three huts. S. Lucio, Cap. M. Bar and M. della Croce, fantastic vantage points.
One of the most attractive single trails in the Ticino winds its way as a high trail around the Val Colla above Lugano and leads through the hilly forests of Malcantone to the imposing Monte Tamaro. A fantastic tour with spectacular panoramic views.
The individual sections offer wide diversity. As an example, along the stretch between the Monte Bre and Rivero and in Malcantone. The entire tour is characterized by varied and interesting countryside with fairy-tale forests and lush Alpine meadows. The first part of the ridge between the Pairolo and Gola di Lago, a biking classic, is spectacularly scenic and lined with three cosy huts. In contrast however, the Malcantone lies on a valley slope at the foot of the mountain, with lush forests and picturesque villages bearing witness to past activities and monuments of historical and artistic importance.
The first half of the tour is marked by an impressive panorama, green Alpine meadows and babbling streams. The second leads through an enchanting natural oasis. Forests of birch, chestnut and oak, both local and introduced species of trees, alternate along the entire route.
The route leads through the area of the region’s most famous mountains: the Monté Brè, Monte Bar and Monte Tamaro. However, it is best to take the aerial gondola up the Monte Lema. From the four peaks you are treated to impressive views of the city of Lugano and its large lake, the imposing backdrop of the Bernese and Valais Alps, Lago Maggiore and neighbouring Italy. A perfect panorama route dotted with regional discoveries.
Flowing single trails on natural surfaces alternate with links on asphalt roads.
A tour combining nature, panoramic views, history and culture. The route uses the development potential of the regional bike network. Only a few of Switzerland’s bike routes can offer such variety.
LENGTH
30.6 km
LENGTH OF WHICH UNSURFACED
6.8 km (6.8 of 30.6)
LENGTH OF WHICH SINGLETRAIL
16.4 km (16.4 of 6.8)
HEIGHT DIFFERENCE
Pairolo–Rivera: 829 m
Show height profile
REQUIREMENTS
difficult
TIME
Pairolo–Rivera: 3 h 35′
CONDITIONS
difficult
Lugano Bike Stage 3: Rivera – Miglieglia 38.9 km
Take the aerial cableway up M. Tamaro and save energy. From the summit an unpaved road and a single trail in the middle of forest, followed by an unpaved road. Arosio-Miglieglia on a single trail in the typical rolling hills of Malcantone. Don’t miss the ascent to M. Lema!
Lugano Bike – Discover the full itinerary
One of the most attractive single trails in the Ticino winds its way as a high trail around the Val Colla above Lugano and leads through the hilly forests of Malcantone to the imposing Monte Tamaro. A fantastic tour with spectacular panoramic views.
The individual sections offer wide diversity. As an example, along the stretch between the Monte Bre and Rivero and in Malcantone. The entire tour is characterized by varied and interesting countryside with fairy-tale forests and lush Alpine meadows. The first part of the ridge between the Pairolo and Gola di Lago, a biking classic, is spectacularly scenic and lined with three cosy huts. In contrast however, the Malcantone lies on a valley slope at the foot of the mountain, with lush forests and picturesque villages bearing witness to past activities and monuments of historical and artistic importance.
The first half of the tour is marked by an impressive panorama, green Alpine meadows and babbling streams. The second leads through an enchanting natural oasis. Forests of birch, chestnut and oak, both local and introduced species of trees, alternate along the entire route.
The route leads through the area of the region’s most famous mountains: the Monté Brè, Monte Bar and Monte Tamaro. However, it is best to take the aerial gondola up the Monte Lema. From the four peaks you are treated to impressive views of the city of Lugano and its large lake, the imposing backdrop of the Bernese and Valais Alps, Lago Maggiore and neighbouring Italy. A perfect panorama route dotted with regional discoveries.
Flowing single trails on natural surfaces alternate with links on asphalt roads.
A tour combining nature, panoramic views, history and culture. The route uses the development potential of the regional bike network. Only a few of Switzerland’s bike routes can offer such variety.
LENGTH
38.9 km
LENGTH OF WHICH UNSURFACED
15 km (15 of 38.9)
LENGTH OF WHICH SINGLETRAIL
9.9 km (9.9 of 15)
HEIGHT DIFFERENCE
Rivera–Miglieglia: 1902 m
Show height profile
REQUIREMENTS
difficult
TIME
Rivera–Miglieglia: 6 h 10′
CONDITIONS
difficult
Stage 3 SHORTENED: Alpe Foppa–Miglieglia 27.8 km
In comparison to the original itinerary, you can take the Monte Tamaro cable car from Rivera which allows you to avoid about 670 metres of difference in height and about 11 km of mostly dirt road. From Alpe Foppa you return to the main route.
LENGTH
27.8 km
LENGTH OF WHICH UNSURFACED
8 km (8 of 27.8)
LENGTH OF WHICH SINGLETRAIL
9.7 km (9.7 of 8)
HEIGHT DIFFERENCE
Alpe Foppa–Miglieglia: 1230 m
Show height profile
REQUIREMENTS
medium
TIME
Alpe Foppa–Miglieglia: 3 h
CONDITIONS
medium
Lugano Bike Stage 4: Miglieglia – Ponte Tresa 29.4 km
A journey of discovery in lower Malcantone. On the M. Faeta and down towards Astano on a forest road. It’s well worth taking a break in the picturesque village centre and at the lake of the same name. Sections along roads in varied landscape to P. Cremenage. After P. Tresa alongside the River Tresa.
Lugano Bike – Discover the full itinerary
One of the most attractive single trails in the Ticino winds its way as a high trail around the Val Colla above Lugano and leads through the hilly forests of Malcantone to the imposing Monte Tamaro. A fantastic tour with spectacular panoramic views.
The individual sections offer wide diversity. As an example, along the stretch between the Monte Bre and Rivero and in Malcantone. The entire tour is characterized by varied and interesting countryside with fairy-tale forests and lush Alpine meadows.
The first part of the ridge between the Pairolo and Gola di Lago, a biking classic, is spectacularly scenic and lined with three cosy huts. In contrast however, the Malcantone lies on a valley slope at the foot of the mountain, with lush forests and picturesque villages bearing witness to past activities and monuments of historical and artistic importance.
The first half of the tour is marked by an impressive panorama, green Alpine meadows and babbling streams. The second leads through an enchanting natural oasis. Forests of birch, chestnut and oak, both local and introduced species of trees, alternate along the entire route.
The route leads through the area of the region’s most famous mountains: the Monté Brè, Monte Bar and Monte Tamaro. However, it is best to take the aerial gondola up the Monte Lema. From the four peaks you are treated to impressive views of the city of Lugano and its large lake, the imposing backdrop of the Bernese and Valais Alps, Lago Maggiore and neighbouring Italy. A perfect panorama route dotted with regional discoveries.
Flowing single trails on natural surfaces alternate with links on asphalt roads.
A tour combining nature, panoramic views, history and culture. The route uses the development potential of the regional bike network. Only a few of Switzerland’s bike routes can offer such variety.
LENGTH
29.4 km
LENGTH OF WHICH UNSURFACED
10 km (10 of 29.4)
LENGTH OF WHICH SINGLETRAIL
6 km (6 of 10)
HEIGHT DIFFERENCE
Miglieglia–Ponte Tresa: 800 m
Show height profile
REQUIREMENTS
medium
TIME
Miglieglia–Ponte Tresa: 3 h 45′
CONDITIONS
medium
PDF GUIDE
You can take this brochure with you on a ride.