Outdoor activities
Things to see and do outdoors
Hiking in Malcantone
This wild and romantic hiking area with more than 300 km of official hiking and themed trails opens up right in front of our hotel. Our personal highlights to inspire you during your stay with us.
Border meandering to Pradecolo - viewpoint & restaurant
An old connecting path to Italy through fascinating forests and with constantly surprising views of Lake Maggiore. Approx. 1 hour below Monte Lema.
Mäiensäss & Alpetti di Miglieglia
If the mountain beckons - but you don't want to go quite so high up! Chestnut groves, Alp Pian Böcc and hillside meadows with a bit of a view.
The revival! To the Alp Firinescio
The Alp Firinescio rediscovered! From May onwards, the flora is magnificent, with gigantic gorse, heather and alpine roses.
Round Breno & down into the valley
A beautiful circular hike where you don't miss out on collecting chestnuts. As is usually the case in Malcantone, it goes up and down!
To the Agriturismo "Ai Gelsi"
Chestnut cake or Linzer torte... under the mulberry tree. It's an impressive experience to see how devotedly the two sisters, Patrizia and Francesca, treat passing hikers to delicacies in the middle of nature.
Deer Park & Val Bavöcc
Past time-honored chestnut trees, always through the terraces and on the smugglers' paths.
From Cademario or Arosio to Monte Cervello
There are many beautiful hikes around Cademario. The most beautiful one leads to Monte Cervello.
To the Castello di Miglieglia
On the way to Maglio, it is worth making a detour to the "Castello di Miglieglia". An old fortified castle from Roman times - pure mysticism!
Romantic bathing spots
Hiking and swimming in Malcantone
Discover idyllic hiking trails and picturesque bathing spots in Macantone for a refreshing break. Our region offers perfect retreats for relaxing in nature and swimming in crystal-clear water.
To the pond in Mugena
... on the chestnut trail. The themed trail leads through an enchanting, harmonious landscape where nature unfolds its full richness.
To Lake Astano - Laghetto Astano
A leisurely hike through the chestnut forests to Astano. The additional loop to the border and the lake is worthwhile.
"Al Maglio", the rock pool... a must-see
Head to the rock pool and waterfall "Al Maglio". The mill/hammer mill (Maglio) can be visited. The kiosk, run by Paolo, serves coffee, drinks, ice cream and typical pastries. Open: April - October open! Closed on Mondays & when it rains! Tip: A detour (approx. 15 minutes there and back) to the "Rovina del castello di Miglieglia" is worthwhile in any case. An old fortified castle from Roman times!
Monte Lema
The local mountain of Malcantone
A breathtaking view, endless hiking routes and bike trails, paragliding, model airplanes, an observatory and a restaurant with a large terrace.
High ridge hike "Traversata" Monte Lema - Monte Tamaro
The gondola lift on Monte Tamaro has been closed for construction work since September 2, 2024. The reopening and commissioning of the new gondola lift is planned for June 2025.
Our tip: The "section" Monte Lema - Alpe Agario
Our tip is not to do the whole ridge hike, but only the most impressive section from Monte Lema to Passo Agario (old customs house). From there, there are several very nice options for descending into the valley to the villages of Arosio, Mugena, Vezio or Fescoggia and returning to Miglieglia by bus within 10 minutes. The reverse is also possible.
Themed hiking trails
The following 8 themed hiking trails give you the opportunity to discover and admire the magnificent natural landscapes, cultural sites and historical art treasures that give the Malcantone region its special charm and beauty.
Guided hikes in Malcantone
Path of wonders "Sentiero delle meraviglie"
Miglieglia - Maglio di Aranno - Aranno - Novaggio - Miglieglia (4 hours)
During this excursion you will discover old walls, mills, castles, ovens and mines and you will have the opportunity to linger and contemplate these simple things that made survival possible in the past.
Chestnut path
Miglieglia - Breno - Fescoggia - Vezio - Mugena - Arosio - Caroggia - Breno (4-5 hrs)
A themed hiking trail where you can learn interesting facts about the cultivation of the chestnut tree and the chestnut forests. The trail leads through an enchanting, harmonious landscape where nature reveals all its richness.
Between heaven and earth
Miglieglia - Sosta - Forcola - Monte Lema (3-4 hours)
This route offers the opportunity to observe the ecosystem and learn more about the history of the development of the landscape with its typical natural forests. The logging museum and other facilities enrich this route.
From the ore mine to the hammer mill
Fescoggia - "Böcc dal fer" - Breno - Ponte di Vello - Maglio (2-3 hours)
In a magical area, this themed trail, unique in Switzerland, shows how laborious it used to be to mine iron ore before it was processed in the hammer mill.
Traces of humanity
Castelrotto - Ronco - Beride - Castelrotto (2 hours)
This circular route is an ideal combination of culture, history and nature. It connects two picturesque villages and allows visitors to discover various fascinating buildings and gems, most of which date back to bygone times.
The magic of water
Molinazzo (Ramello) - Monteggio - Termine - Suino - Sessa - Ramello (2.5 hours)
This hiking trail focuses on historical evidence and natural landscapes. This themed trail "Sentiero dell'Acqua Ripensata" also offers food for thought on the topic of water - man in the past and present.
Monte Caslano Nature Park
Caslano - Caslano (1.5 hours)
On this nature trail, you can get to know a highly interesting natural landscape that is worth protecting. A remarkable geological and botanical diversity is combined here in a very small area. Views of the bay of Caslano and Agno, the strait of Lavena Ponte Tresa and Italy.
Sundial trail in Malcantone
Arosio - Astano - Caslano - Bioggio (45 km!)
On this route, tourists and connoisseurs can discover the most beautiful places in Malcantone: impressive testimonies to the culture and traditions of earlier generations.
Out and about by bike in Malcantone
Let's set off on a discovery tour through the green hills and mountains of Malcantone.
An encounter with nature, where different ecosystems and their changes can be observed. Monte Lema at 1600 m above sea level, the extensive chestnut forests and Lake Lugano will be particularly memorable. Hire an e-mountain bike from us to explore the impressive surroundings even more closely.
1st Lugano Bike - No 66
Route "sixtisix"! One of the most beautiful mountain bike routes in Ticino first winds its way around the Val Colla above Lugano. The route continues to the imposing Monte Tamaro and through the hilly forests of Malcantone. A paradisiacal tour with a magnificent panorama.
2nd Tresa Bike - No. 353
Explore the nature, history and culture of Malcantone on the Tresa Bike. The route takes you through the typical hilly landscape of the region.
3rd Malcantone Bike- No. 354
A discovery tour through the green hills and mountains of Malcantone. An encounter with nature, where you can observe different ecosystems and their changes.
4th Castagno Bike - No. 355
Discover the beauty of the green Alto Malcantone in the immediate vicinity of Lugano. The extensive chestnut forests will be particularly memorable.
Monte Lema - Bike routes. 4 suggestions
A sweat-inducing challenge for those who like to challenge themselves on a mountainous ascent and pure fun for those who prefer flat routes.
E-mountain bike rental & tours
Discover the surrounding area with our e-mountain bikes, which you can hire directly from us. On request, we offer guided bike tours with external guides to give you an even more intense experience. We are happy to help you plan your tours.
Bicycle transport with the Postbus or regional train:
- 95% of all post buses in Malcantone have a bike rack
- Regional train TILO: Possible at any time
- Regional train FLP (Lugano-Ponte Tresa): Possible at any time
Yoga
Inhale. Exhale
Throughout the year, experienced teachers from all over Switzerland and nearby countries offer a variety of fascinating yoga camps with different focuses.