Lake Lugano – also known as the Lago di Lugano – is an alpine lake on the southern side of the Alps whose irregular shape reflects its geological history. The lake is shared between Switzerland and Italy – one part lies entirely within Swiss territory, while another (the Baia di Lugano) lies in Italy. The water is intensely blue-green, the shores lined with Mediterranean vegetation.

The Lugano lakeside promenade, boat trips to Gandria, Morcote and the Italian Porlezza, as well as the mountain railways to the Monte San Salvatore and Monte Brè open up the lake experience. In summer the lake is a bathing paradise; water temperatures reach up to 25°C. The settlements of Melide – with the Swissminiatur park – and Caprino are further excursion destinations.

Lake Lugano is accessible from Lugano by boat, bus or on foot. Lugano is reachable by SBB from Zurich in around 2.5 hours. By car, take the A2 motorway through the Gotthard.