Tesserete - Monte Bigorio
I did this hike on the 8th of January, 2022. As it was mid winter, snow free areas for hiking were limited, but southern Ticino and the area around Lugano looked promising, so I decided to do the hike below. I have since this hike been in this area once more, hiking from Tesserete to Motto della Croce.
Full route: Swisstopo
It was a cold but very nice winter morning as I started out from Tesserete. Once you are out of the town, the ascent towards Monte Bigorio starts. I quickly got the first views over the area and south in direction Lugano.
The path first leads you up through forest and is a mix of cobble stones and more regular hiking path. Up closer to the top, you come out of the forest and the vegetation spreads out.
There were many viewpoints along the way up, and the hazy day made for some great views of the mountains in southern Ticino. The trail was completely empty, and only at the top, did I meet a few other hikers.
Up from the top of Monte Bigorio, I had even better views. Despite the hazy day, I could still see Lugano and make out the contours of Monte Boglia, San Salvatore and San Giorgio. I spend some time taking pictures and having a snack, until it got too cold and I continued.
Walking over the top of Monte Bigorio, I now got new views to the mountains further north. It was a really beautiful view with the contrast between the white snow covered peaks and the brown landscape.
On the other side of Monte Bigorio, I decided to have a lunch break before starting the descent back to Tesserete. The trail down was mainly on gravel and normal road, and only in the beginning was it a more regular hiking path.
Turning back in direction south towards Tesserete, I could see the ridge running north of Monte Boglia. What I really like about this area and hike, are the panoramic views in all directions, covering southern Ticino.
It was a nice and slightly warmer walk back, as the sun had gotten higher on the sky. Back down in Tesserete, I caught the bus to Lugano from where I got on the direct train back home to Zürich.
