We found this hike on a list of hikes you can do with strollers. Its a nice 5 km circular hike and Im happy we did it but the whole trip I was thinking that is a pity not to have bikes here. Its perfect easy biking terrain. Path next to the river, all flat, crossing the fields and small villages, romantic even. I think we will come back for a bike weekend.
You can visit Austria on the way. As we did. How fun is the picture of my boys. Each of them in different country.
The plan was to go up to Sareisjoch with chairlift and go back down to Malbun walking. We liked it up there so much that we decided to hike to the nearest peak Augustenberg. Unfortunately the weather changed and we couldn’t see much and with sleeping baby in the carrier you don’t want to risk anything. Even though we could do only like 70 percent of the hike I would recommend it. Its quite easy hike on the ridge of the mountain with incredible views.
After the hike we had hot chocolate in the restaurant near the chairlift (they have great playground for the children) and later we walked down the hill back to Malbun. This part would be possible to do it with a stroller. Its nice but not sure if its totally worth it. Specially if you are without kids and have bad knees. Nevertheless the views are nice.
Its worth mentioning that we stayed in Jufa Hotel Malbun Alpin Resort and we were very happy. Its new but minimalistic hotel, have great children playground just next to the restaurant so you can actually enjoy your dinner and see the little one playing.
What an incredible day trip from Lugano. Here is something for everybody. Train for the kids, amazing views for nature lovers and the incredible Fiore di Pietra for architecture buffs.
The train:
40 minutes climb with the cog rail from Capolago-Riva S.Vitale station. If you want a good seat i would recommend to be there 15 min.prior the departure as it tends to get crowded on the weekends. If you are train enthusiast there are few times during the summer you can catch a ride with the original steam locomotive form 1890.
Fiore di Pietra:
This marvellous “Stone flower” is from swiss architect Mario Botta and its placed on the edge of the cliff bit bellow the peak itself . You can savour the views, hike up to the top (10 min.), have a lunch inside (i would recommend the easy going self-service restaurant) and than go back down by train or you can enjoy numerous hikes around.
the views:
there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the views of Lugano lake. If there is a good weather you can even spot Milan or Turin. Unfortunately for us, as is usual on the mountains, the weather changed rapidly and we couldn’t see anything. We still could enjoy wandering around the italian sunny side of the mountain. Oh yeah, the mountain is the actual border between Switzerland and Italy. There are few interesting hikes i would like to do in the future. The bear cave, the water holes, ice pits nevere or at least walk down 1 train stop to the Bellavista.
This is a perfect Sunday plan. In the morning hiking still in the shade, good lunch (i know just the place) and lazy afternoon sunbathing on the river shore.
The park trail is one big loop with lot of branches so that means you can walk as much as you want and always find an easy turn to come back to your starting point.
There are not only few interesting points on the way, bridges, mills, old concrete factory, church and castle, but all this area represents important geological site.
I enjoyed the old concrete factory
After all this walking in a hot day just in our starting point in Mulino del Ghitello there is a beautiful restaurant Ristorante al Ghitello with local wine list and products of Ticino.
enjoy
INLUGANO 