The city of Lugano with its harbor
The city of Lugano with its harbor on Lake LuganoLake Lugano with its deep blue waters is in the southeast of Switzerland, on the border between Switzerland and Italy.
Named after the city of Lugano, it is situated between the Italian lakes of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Although two thirds of the lake is in Switzerland, the eastern extent of the lake is in Italy. This explains the Italian influence and the milder Mediterranean climate which is evident in this charming area.
Lake Lugano Switzerland covers an area of 48 km² with an incredible depth of 288 meters in the northern basin. It lies between the Monte San Salvatore Lugano and Monte Bre at an elevation of 271 meters. The highest mountain on the lake is Monte Generoso at 1700 meters. A rack railway transports tourists from Capolago to the top of the mountain for wonderful scenic views.
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The area on the southern shores of the lake is rich in prehistoric fossils, many of which date back to the Jurassic and Triassic periods, 180-220 million years ago.
Beautiful views of Lake Lugano
The southern Ticino region is known for its metallurgy and silk production, although there is little evidence of industrialization in this scenic area.
The rich vegetation in the surrounding valleys and the stunning mountain peaks makes this an area of peaceful relaxation. Pleasure cruises are a lovely way to appreciate Lake Lugano’s wonderful scenery. One well-known landmark to look out for is the Villa Fogazzaro at Oria, with its hanging gardens, pretty oleanders and lemon trees.
Things to do around the lake vary with the seasons. During the mild winters the area enjoys theatrical performances. Spring is heralded with the Classical Music Festival and the open air Jazz Festival.
Lugano seen from the Grand Hotel Eden
The quality of life is excellent and leisure activities are abundant like golf, tennis, horseback riding, water-skiing, and snow-skiing.
And the region is as well known for its secure investment climate as it is for its mild Mediterranean weather.
Wonderful shopping, dining and nightlife can be enjoyed around the lake’s shores at any time of year and the Casino provides a little glamourous entertainment. Water sports are very popular with sailing, waterskiing, scuba diving, windsurfing and swimming being enjoyed by many visitors. There are a host of resorts around the lake which offer bathing facilities and good fishing spots.
One of the region’s most notable attractions is the Lungolago Park, designed by P. Lucchini and completed in 1918. The shady horse chestnut and linden trees provide welcome shade in this lakeside park. Other parks include the landscaped Ciani Park with its exotic subtropical flora and colorful flower beds.
For children, the lake area offers the Magliaso Zoo, with animals from all over the world. The Play Planet Amusement Park and the Swissminiatur Museum with its models of well-known Swiss buildings are popular family attractions.
The town of Lugano has some beautiful architecture and historic monuments. Set on a steep hillside, it has large piazzas linked by pretty cobbled streets. The impressive Romanesque St Lawrence Cathedral dates back to the 9th century, and has exceptional Renaissance doorways and an ornate baroque interior. The Historical Museum celebrates the town’s long history.
Other major towns around Lake Lugano can be visited by boat, bus, car, bicycle or train and have a definite Venetian influence. Gandria is a picturesque fishing village with its interesting Swiss Customs Museum and the beautiful Villa Heleneum which now contains an interesting collection of international exhibits as part of its Museum of Extra-European Cultures.
