I hiked to the base of Monte San Salvatore at 3:00 am to catch the sunrise over Lake Lugano, and the early start was worth every step. I walked from Franklin University Switzerland to the mountain— the hike is very accessible from the city. Watching the light come up over the mountains and the lake is the kind of thing that makes you glad you set the alarm! 🌄

Bring a flashlight and hiking shoes! 

• Route: Paradiso - Pazzallo - San Salvatore 
• Ascent time: About 2 hours (one-way) 
• Total Out-and-Back duration: 3.5-4 hours 
• Elevation Gain: ~620 m to 720 m (approx. 2,030 ft) 
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard (features wooded paths, stone steps, and steep climbs)