Monte Lema (1619m) – Monte Tamaro (1962m)

The ridge walk between Monte Lema and Monte Tamaro may be one of the most spectacular in all of Ticino. There are a few up and downs along this traverse but the views of Lake Lugano and Lago Maggiore are unrivaled. And due to the almost Mediterranean climate, this hike can still be done far into autumn.

Start the hike at the top of the Monte Lema gondola. There is a bus leaving Rivera at 9am, taking you to the Monte Lema gondola, but you will have to be there early to get one of the seats on the bus.

From the top of the gondola, you have a choice to turn left and make the 50 height metres up to the summit of Monte Lema, the views are well worth the diversion. Once you return to the gondola, follow the signs towards Monte Tamaro. The path will lead downhill at first and then gently uphill onto the ridge.

Once you have conquered the first uphill, you will find yourself on the top of Poncione di Breno, one of the three peaks along this ridge. There is a conveniently placed bench on the way up and a cairn on the summit. Views are of course fantastic.

From this first summit, continue along the ridge, which is now almost level with only small ups and downs. The views down towards Lake Lugano are lovely.

After a while you will reach the Passo d’Agario, where there is a small self service hut selling drinks. A table and bench in front of the hut invites for a break to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains.

From the Passo d’Agario the path starts leading uphill towards Monte Gradiccioli. This is the longest uphill of the hike, but it is rather gentle and you can already see the top from the pass. Make sure to turn around from time to time on the way up as Lago Maggiore will come into view.

The hiking path leads past the summit of Monte Gradiccioli, but it’s certainly worth adding the small detour to the top. Enjoy the view, you can now see Monte Tamaro ahead along the ridge. When starting your way down, retrace your steps a little and the turn right to continue along the ridge.

It’s now gently downhill along the ridge, until you face the last uphill of this hike. The ascent towards the summit of Monte Tamaro is short but steep. If you do not feel up for it, there is also a path leading around this first summit to the right, which also brings you to the end of this hike.

Once reaching the top of Monte Tamaro, enjoy the 360 degree panoramic views, which on a clear day allows you to see all the way to snowy Dufourspitze, Switzerland’s highest mountain.

From Monte Tamaro it’s now downhill all the way until the end of the hike. There are more great views on the way and you will pass Capanna Tamaro, which sells drinks, home made cakes, honey and syrup. A great place for a refreshment after this long walk.

From the capanna, continue on the way down, following the path that gently meanders down towards Alpe Foppa. There is a lot of entertainment here with a restaurant, summer sledge run and playground.

To end the hike, take the gondola back down towards Rivera. If you have parked your car at the gondola station at Monte Lema, there is also an evening bus bringing hikers back to the start.