Monte Brè

The Funicolare Cassarate - Monte Brè funicular train is located in the Swiss canton of Ticino, in the city of Lugano. The railway connects a lower station in Cassarate, a Lugano suburb, to an upper station at the peak of Monte Brè. Views of the city and Lake Lugano may be had from the summit. Since 1912, a cable railway has transported visitors from Cassarate to Mount Bré (933 meters above sea level), a location that offers many opportunities to visitors, including a large, well-equipped picnic area where food can be grilled, walks suitable for families with small children, and more difficult mountain hikes.

During the summer months of June and August, the cable car is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The funicular is divided into two distinct and independent portions. The initial portion is only 196 metres long and connects the Cassarate and Suvigliana stations. Passengers must cross the road at Suvigliana to reach the lower station of the second, and substantially longer, segment. This 1,403-metre-long segment is quite sinuous, with intermediate stops at Albonago, Aldesago, and Brè Villaggio. The Monte Brè funicular is one of three funiculars in service in the Lugano region. The other two are the Monte San Salvatore funicular, which ascends Monte San Salvatore on the other side of town, and the Lugano Città-Stazione funicular, which connects the city center with the train station.

At the very least, stroll down from the funicular station to Ristorante Vetta, which boasts a panoramic patio facing Lake Lugano. If you wish to stretch your legs, try this short loop at the summit of Monte Brè that takes you to another viewpoint to the east. The majority of the trek is in the woods with plenty of steps, so it's not spectacular. However, the vantage position is appealing.

Location: Lugano, Switzerland