Olive Tree Trail
Lugano, Switzerland • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jun, Jul, Aug
16°C – 26°C, warm and sunny with a chance of brief rain showers, high crowds, peak season
16°C – 26°C, warm and sunny with a chance of brief rain showers, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Hiking trail with uneven terrain, stairs, and moderate elevation changes.
Hiking trail with uneven terrain, stairs, and moderate elevation changes.
Value for money
High
Free access and stunning scenery made it a great value.
Free access and stunning scenery made it a great value.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Stroll
Couples loved the views and the peaceful atmosphere of this scenic trail.
Breathtaking Views
The lake views were amazing and provided a perfect backdrop for a romantic walk.
Easy Hike
Visitors found the trail easy to navigate and perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Uneven Terrain
Some couples found the path's uneven surfaces challenging to navigate at times.
No Amenities
Travelers wished for more facilities along the trail, like cafes or restrooms.
Can Be
During peak season, the trail can get busy, affecting the romantic atmosphere.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Sunday
08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Enjoy the perfect harmony of nature and history on the enchanting Olive Tree Trail.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
2-8°C
Cold and damp; possible frost, with a chance of rain or rare light snow. Trail surfaces may be icy in the mornings.
Cold and damp; possible frost, with a chance of rain or rare light snow. Trail surfaces may be icy in the mornings.
Open
Trail accessible year-round, but all lakeside amenities and most restaurants are closed. Public transport is limited.
Trail accessible year-round, but all lakeside amenities and most restaurants are closed. Public transport is limited.
Not recommended
December is not recommended except for experienced walkers seeking solitude. The trail is fully open, but colder weather and closed tourist facilities make for a quiet, less scenic experience.
December is not recommended except for experienced walkers seeking solitude. The trail is fully open, but colder weather and closed tourist facilities make for a quiet, less scenic experience.
January
LOW
1-8°C
Cold and damp, with a high chance of rain and occasional frost; snow is rare on the trail itself but possible in the region.
Cold and damp, with a high chance of rain and occasional frost; snow is rare on the trail itself but possible in the region.
Open
No seasonal closure, but some lakeside cafés and boat/ferry services may be limited or suspended; shorter daylight hours and occasional slippery sections.
No seasonal closure, but some lakeside cafés and boat/ferry services may be limited or suspended; shorter daylight hours and occasional slippery sections.
Not recommended
The Olive Tree Trail is open year-round, but January is not ideal due to cold, damp weather and limited amenities. Most lakeside restaurants and attractions in Gandria are closed.
The Olive Tree Trail is open year-round, but January is not ideal due to cold, damp weather and limited amenities. Most lakeside restaurants and attractions in Gandria are closed.
February
LOW
2-10°C
Still cold and damp, with sporadic rain and chilly winds; vegetation is sparse and the trail can be slippery.
Still cold and damp, with sporadic rain and chilly winds; vegetation is sparse and the trail can be slippery.
Open
Accessible, but limited public transport and few open lakeside services; check ferry and bus schedules in advance.
Accessible, but limited public transport and few open lakeside services; check ferry and bus schedules in advance.
Not recommended
February remains off-season; the trail is accessible but best suited for well-prepared walkers. Some sections may be wet or muddy, and most tourist facilities remain closed.
February remains off-season; the trail is accessible but best suited for well-prepared walkers. Some sections may be wet or muddy, and most tourist facilities remain closed.
March
LOW
5-14°C
Mild temperatures, with early signs of spring; occasional showers but increasingly pleasant weather and longer days.
Mild temperatures, with early signs of spring; occasional showers but increasingly pleasant weather and longer days.
Open
Trail fully open; some cafés and ferries begin limited operations, especially later in the month.
Trail fully open; some cafés and ferries begin limited operations, especially later in the month.
Recommended
March marks the start of the hiking season for the Olive Tree Trail, with improving weather and better public transport. Spring flowers and lake views make it a pleasant time to visit.
March marks the start of the hiking season for the Olive Tree Trail, with improving weather and better public transport. Spring flowers and lake views make it a pleasant time to visit.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Bus Line 2 from Paradiso/Lugano to Castagnola (stops: Castagnola, Posta or S. Domenico) or Bus 490 to Gandria (stop: Gandria, Strada).
Ferry
Recommended
Ferry services from Lugano-Centrale (lago) to Gandria (lago).
Train
Recommended
Arrive at Lugano railway station (Lugano FFS) and connect to local transport.
Boat
Ferry services from Lugano-Centrale (lago) to Gandria (lago).
Car
Limited parking available at Parcheggio San Domenico in Castagnola or along the main road above Gandria.
Taxi
Taxis can drop passengers near trailheads in Castagnola (Via Cortivo) or Gandria.
Walking
Walk from Lugano city center to Castagnola.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required
Age
Ages 10-99