Monte Gambarogno: the balcony over Lake Maggiore from Alpe di Neggia

Gambarogno is the mountain above the Ticino shore of Lake Maggiore, the one you look at from Cannobio and Luino without knowing its name. From the summit at 1,734 m you see the whole lake, from the Brissago islands to the fortress of Angera, with the Alps behind.

The route

We start at Alpe di Neggia, 1,395 m, which the road reaches by car: the climb is therefore short, a little over 500 m of ascent on a wide path through birch and pasture.

From the summit we follow the ridge to Monte Paglione and come down the pasture loop, the lake in front of us all the way.

Who it's for

• anyone who wants a big view for a short climb
• photographers: the afternoon light over Lake Maggiore is at its best here
• anyone walking with a dog or with fit teenagers

Good to know

The Alpe di Neggia road can close for snow in winter: the coordinator checks the Thursday before. It is always windy at the top, even in summer: pack a shell. The Vairano botanical park below can be visited on the way back if you like (entry not included).

You are crossing into Switzerland

A valid ID in your pocket, not in your rucksack: Switzerland is not in the European Union and border checks do happen.

Mountain rescue is charged for: in Switzerland the helicopter is billed to the person who calls it. Guiddy accident insurance is included, but a Rega card (about €40 a year) or a policy covering rescue costs in Switzerland is what we suggest to everyone.

Swiss francs: huts and cable cars almost always take cards, but a few valley huts are still cash only. The European health card is valid in Switzerland for emergency care.

If your dog comes along: Switzerland requires a microchip, an EU pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination, given at least 21 days beforehand. Without them the dog is turned back at the border.

Getting there

A9 to Lugano, then Bellinzona and the Gambarogno shore to Vira, where the Alpe di Neggia road climbs: one hour forty from the ring road.

By car you need the Swiss motorway vignette (CHF 40, valid for the calendar year) if you use the motorway: you buy it at the border, at petrol stations near the crossing, or online.