Vetta Sighignola — Pic by Eugenio Gottifredi

"Whatever fate is, it dwells in the mountains above our heads.”

Paolo Cognetti

Vetta Sighignola (aka “the Balcony of Italy”), a truly unique natural terrace in Valle Intelvi overlooking Lake Lugano, is one of those indescribable suggestive places you have to visit at least once in a lifetime.

You may think we are exaggerating, but - spoiler - we are not.

Because when you are in this incredible vantage point, with such a terrific view on two nations simultaneously, you feel like being suspended in the clouds, admiring the unspoilt landscape and the wild beauty of Lake Lugano from above; and it’s likely you think you are into another dimension, far from everything and everyone. Who doesn’t need such a feeling, from time to time?

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It will be enough to say that Vetta Sighignola, located at the top of Monte Sighignola (one of the main peaks of the Pre-Alps in Lugano, with its 1320 meters of altitude), is one of the most spectacular places of Italy, elected "Place of the Heart" by FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano).

The slopes of Monte Sighignola are divided between Lanzo d’Intelvi (Italy) and Arogno in Switzerland. The eastern (Italian) side is sweet and wooded; the western (Swiss) one is much more pronounced and steep, with an altitude difference of over 1000 meters.

The view is quite unparalleled: it sweeps from Lake Lugano, the Grisons Alps, Monviso, Monte Cervino (4.478) and Monte Rosa (4.634), up to the Apennines.

Panoramic spot… also perfect for a picnic!

The Italian terrace provides panels that clearly explain to tourists the hundreds of peaks that are visibile from Sighignola: all the glorious mountains, Lake Lugano, Lake Maggiore and the vibrant city of Lugano with Melide bridge.

Right at the highest point, at the edge of the woods, is the Chapel of the Alpini, a tiny religious building in stone from which to dominate the valley almost at 360 degrees.

But there’s more: on the Swiss side of the slope you can find a second terrace (built by the Italian Touring Club) with a playground and a lovely picnic area with tables, just perfect for a break or for a lunch with a view.

Vetta Sighignola has a strong tourist vocation year round: in pretty much all seasons you can see trekking enthusiasts, cyclists, and many motorcyclists who often organize rallies. Some time ago, even George Clooney was also spotted here riding his beloved Harley Davidson!

The historic and military value of Sighignola

On Vetta Sighignola you can still see the remains of the trenches, tunnels and roads built along the Cadorna line during the First World War; this confirms the strategic value of the place.

This military outpost was the perfect observation point to keep the territory under control.

Trekking and cycling routes to Vetta Sighignola

For sports enthusiasts and trekking lovers, there are several paths to reach Vetta Sighignola.

Trail by car / motorbike

Starting from Lanzo: proceed northwest from Via Fontanella towards Via C. Goldoni, turn left into Via C. Goldoni, go straight on for 280 m, go straight on along Via Sighignola until you reach your destination.

Vetta Sighignola, with its two terraces. Pic by Giorgio Zanon

Short walking trail on foot (easy path)

You can leave the car in the parking lot in front of the "Ristorante La Baita" and then take the uphill path (marked by a large sign) which in 20 minutes leads to Vetta Sighignola. The path is in the middle of a grove (suitable for children too). If you are a mountain bike lover, consider that the road from Lanzo to the summit is about 5.7 km with a 7% gradient and a difference in height of 396 meters.

For expert hikers: path n° 8

This 14 km path starts from the Saracens Valley and circumnavigates the summit of Monte Sighignola: the route can be covered approximately in 6 hours.

Where having lunch after visiting Vetta Sighignola

3 eateries we recommend to try during your trip to Sighignola:

Ranch Augusto (Via Paraviso 6, Lanzo): one of our favorite ever for rustic, 100% local food. Book a table with a bit of notice!
Cristal Domino (Piazza Matteotti 13, Lanzo): their pizza is just fabulous, but at the time of writing they make it only in the evening. For lunch you can taste all the dishes of Lake Como and Valtellina tradition (pizzoccheri, polenta etc.)
Ristorante La Baita (Via Sighignola 36): one of the favorite restaurant for motorbikers. The interior is amazingly cozy and welcoming. Try their pizzoccheri: delicious.

Learn more about the special dishes of Lake Como!

“It all seems small, doesn't it? - he said, and I didn't understand.
I did not understand in what sense that majestic panorama could seem small to him.
Or if there were other things that seemed small to him, things that came back to him when he was up there.”
Paolo Cognetti, “Le otto montagne”

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Vetta Sighignola in Valle Intelvi: The Most Indisputably Legendary View On Lake Lugano You Can Ever Enjoy