Swiss Ridge Walk Goes Viral

The funicular journey to the trail's starting point has been running since 1890, initially serving pilgrims ascending Monte San Salvatore. For centuries before the railway was built, people climbed the 912-meter peak on foot to visit a chapel at the summit. The hike concludes in what was named "The most beautiful village in Switzerland" in 2016 and a "Best Tourism Village" by the UNWTO in 2023. The village, Morcote, was first mentioned in historical records in 926 and served as a vital port on Lake Lugano until a dam was built in 1847. Rated as a moderately difficult trail, the path involves an ascent of 234 meters and a much larger descent of 855 meters. Hikers should plan for a duration of about 3 to 4 hours to complete the route, which includes a steep, rocky section at the beginning and hundreds of stairs leading down into Morcote. Upon reaching Morcote, a prominent landmark is the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso, a Renaissance-Baroque church accessible via a flight of about 400 steps. The village itself features narrow medieval alleyways and stone archways where fishermen once mended their nets. From the summit of San Salvatore, a 360-degree panorama unfolds, offering views of the Lombard plain in Italy and the Swiss and Savoy Alps. A viewing platform on the roof of the summit's church provides an unobstructed perspective. Near the end of the trail in Morcote lies Parco Scherrer, a botanical "Garden of Wonders" created by a textile merchant. The park features subtropical vegetation like palm trees, bamboo, and camellias alongside architectural follies inspired by various cultures.