Looking for a quick and scenic weekend escape with your dog? Head to Lugano, in our beloved Ticino. Just 2 hours from Zurich by train, it offers a perfect mix of lakeside views, charming villages, easy hikes, and plenty of dog-friendly spots!
Our 2-Day Itinerary:
Day 1 – City stroll, lake cruise & Olive Trail
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Explore Lugano’s city center and grab a pizza at Tango (very dog-friendly).
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Hop on a boat to Gandria, a colorful lakeside village (free with a Swiss Travel Pass or GA).
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From Gandria, hike the scenic Olive Tree Trail back to Castagnola (approx. 1 hour along the lake). You can also continue walking all the way back to Lugano. Dogs must be kept on a leash.
Day 2 – Morcote & Monte Brè
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Visit Morcote, ranked one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland: stunning views, charming streets, and the famous Parco Scherrer, which is dog-friendly (note: lots of stairs – small or tired dogs may need to be carried).
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Take a picture at Swing the World with a beautiful view over Morcote, then head back down to the village center for an ice cream at La Casa del Gelato (dog-friendly, but the shop is quite small—so if it’s crowded, it’s best to wait outside with your dog).
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Finish your day at Monte Brè: take the funicular (free for dogs), enjoy a panoramic loop hike, and watch the sunset with a picnic.
Our first dog walk in Monte Brè
This weekend was also special because we hosted our first-ever dog walk in Monte Brè! We’ll definitely be planning more soon—in the same spirit of discovering beautiful places in Switzerland, sharing relaxing moments in small groups where both humans and dogs can feel at ease 💕 Here are a few cute photos from that day!
Practical Tips:
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Most places are dog-welcoming, including public transport, restaurants, and parks.
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Dogs ride free on the Monte Brè funicular. The boat was included in our GA / AG.
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Keep your dog on leash, especially on hiking trails.
We loved our Lugano getaway with Kitsune! Lugano is a top pick for a dog-friendly weekend escape with plenty of walks & activities to do with your dog.
