Lake Lugano

Lake Lugano (Lago di Lugano, also called Ceresio) is a glacial lake straddling the Italy–Switzerland border. From Lanzo d'Intelvi, in the Val d'Intelvi of Como province, Lombardy, you see it from above, from viewpoints high over the water.

What is Lake Lugano?

The lake sits at roughly 271 m above sea level and covers about 48.7 km², around 63% of it in Switzerland and 37% in Italy. It stretches about 35 km and is at most about 3 km wide. The deepest point, about 288 m, lies in the northern basin; the average depth is around 134 m. The Melide causeway splits the lake into a northern basin (about 27.5 km²) and a southern one (about 21.4 km²), with a bridge letting water and boats pass. The Swiss city of Lugano, the largest in Ticino, sits on its shore.

What can you see from Lanzo d'Intelvi?

Lanzo lies in the Val d'Intelvi, the valley between lakes Como and Lugano. A short walk from the village leads to the Belvedere, a classic viewpoint over Lake Lugano.

Higher up, the Sighignola summit (about 1,300 m) hosts the "Balcone d'Italia", the Balcony of Italy. The panorama takes in the lake and distant peaks, and on clear days Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. The border runs through the site, so there are two terraces, one flying the Italian flag and one the Swiss. The second was added in 2012 after an unfinished cable car station was demolished.

How do you reach Sighignola?

A scenic road climbs from Lanzo to the summit. It dates from 1913 and was pushed through by Luigi Vittorio Bertarelli, founder of the Touring Club Italiano. You can park by the La Baita restaurant and follow a marked path for about 20 minutes. Sources give the summit's height variously, from about 1,300 to 1,320 m.

When should you go?

Clear weather matters most, since the Alpine peaks only show then. Check road conditions to Sighignola before setting out, as weather and seasonal closures can affect access. For the Swiss side of the lake, plan a separate trip, for example to Lugano.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Lugano in Italy or Switzerland?

Both. About 63% of its surface is Swiss and 37% Italian.

How deep is the lake?

Up to about 288 m in the northern basin, and about 134 m on average.

Where is the best Italian-side view of the lake?

The Belvedere in Lanzo d'Intelvi and the Balcone d'Italia on Sighignola.

Is the walk to Sighignola long?

The road gets you close; from the La Baita car park a marked path takes about 20 minutes.