Monte Tamaro - Top Deals and Prices 2025

Monte Tamaro hosted the European Cycling Championships in October 2020. The local cycling club has experience in hosting such championships.

7 Highlights at Monte Tamaro

• Since 2014, Monte Tamaro has hosted regular cycling competitions as part of a national race series. This is the Proffix Swiss Bike Cup.
• Monte Tamaro is a summer mountain: all facilities are open from April to early November.
• A popular hike leads from Monte Tamaro over several peaks to the neighboring mountain Monte Lema.
• The church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built at Alpe Foppa, looks like a massive fortress.
• From Alpe Foppa a 1.5 hour hike leads to the actual summit of Monte Tamaro
• 4 artistic sculptures are scattered on Alpe Foppa.
• A large children's playground with slide and picnic areas is located next to the mountain station.

Alpe Foppa is located at 1530 m above sea level and is the destination of the Monte Tamaro cable car. Just near the top station is the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built by the famous Ticino architect Mario Botta.

Monte Tamaro is a viewpoint that shows both the highest and the lowest point of Switzerland. The highest point is the Dufourspitze, the lowest point is the Lago Maggiore. If the visibility is good, you can see as far as the Matterhorn and the Monte Rosa massif from here.

The summer mountain has beautiful hiking trails and mountain bike routes. Toboggan run, tyrolienne and rope park offer further activities for families and mainly young people.

Places of interest on Monte Tamaro

On Monte Tamaro you can experience many things. The nature all around can be enjoyed as well as the unique view. The top station as well as the middle station of the aerial tramway are excursion destinations. Here several amusements and activities are waiting for visitors.

Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli

On Monte Tamaro, one building immediately catches your eye when you leave the cable car at the top station. It is the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, built here by Mario Botta. The paintings in the church are by Enzo Cucchi. The apse, painted in intense blue, stands out and has as its theme the offered hands. Twenty-two panels above the windows have Marian motifs.

The church looks like a mighty stone fortress. Since it was built directly on a mountain spur, a viewing platform is integrated. From it, there is a panoramic view that is extraordinary. The church was built from porphyry between 1992 and 1996. Guided tours in D/I/E/F are possible with advance reservation.

Alpe Foppa

Alpe Foppa at the top station of the aerial tramway is still an hour and a half hike from the summit. There is also a mountain lake here that can be circumnavigated.

Some artistic sculptures have been placed on Alpe Foppa. These include:

• Cubo Sospeso (floating cube): this work is by the sculptor Jaya Schürch. It has been on Alpe Foppa since 2008. The cube is made of almost three tons of marble and hangs seemingly without effort in the ropes. The sculpture is intended to show the mystery of gravity.
• Il Guardiano del tempio (Guardian of the Temple): the sculpture is by Luca Marcionelli. The monolithic totem is 4 meters high; it was placed on Alpe Foppa in 2006. The granite used comes from Castione and Peccia.
• Madonna con Bambino (Madonna with Child): The bronze statue by the sculptor Antonio Danzi from Viggiù (Italy) is also called "Madonna del Tamaro". It has been standing at the Alpe Foppa restaurant since 1985. On June 12, 1984 this statue was blessed by Pope John Paul II.
• La Figura che si guarda: The bronze statue was made by the regional artist Ivo Soldini from Ligornetto. It is about 3.50 meters high and was completed in 2014

Mountain Railways to Monte Tamaro

At Monte Tamaro, there's a cable car that takes you up in two sections. The mountain station isn’t at the summit of Monte Tamaro, so you’ll need to hike for about 1.5 hours to reach the top.

Monte Tamaro Cable Car: Rivera – Piano di Mora – Alpe Foppa

The gondola runs from Rivera (529 m above sea level) to Alpe Foppa (approximately 1530 m above sea level) in two sections. The mid station, Piano di Mora, leads to the rope park. The Monte Tamaro gondolas can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, but they must not be larger than 65cm x 78cm.

• Monte Tamaro Cable Car Ticket

Monte Lema Cable Car: Miglieglia

The cable car from Miglieglia takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the summit of Monte Lema. There’s a hostel with a restaurant and terrace, as well as accommodation options for up to 30 people.

The cable car is used when hiking from Monte Tamaro to Monte Lema. In the late afternoon, a shuttle bus runs from the valley station in Miglieglia back to the valley station in Rivera. Alternatively, you can take the PostAuto No. 423 in Miglieglia to Lamone-Cadempino and transfer to PostAuto No. 453 to Rivera.

Activities on Monte Tamaro

The Alpe Foppa has a lot of activities to offer: Summer toboggan run, Tyrolienne and children's playground, as well as quite a few hiking trails and bike tours. The mountain lake offers further fun for children.

At the middle station Piano di Mora a rope park provides fun and thrills. The Tamaro Jumping is part of the rope park. There is also an information point with a snack bar here. Wi-Fi can be used free of charge.

Among the most popular summer activities at Monte Tamaro are:

• Hiking
• Mountain biking and cycling
• Paragliding
• Tyrolienne
• Summer toboggan run
• Rope park
• Children's playground

Hiking around Monte Tamaro

There are 90 kilometers of hiking trails on Monte Tamaro. The following routes are a selection of the most popular hikes.

From Monte Tamaro to Monte Lema

This hike is very popular. From Rivera you take the cable car to Alpe Foppa. The first intermediate destination is the Capanna Tamaro. The path leads over the saddle and is signposted. The hike is not difficult to walk for people with normal physical condition. At the end of the tour you take the Monte Lema cable car down to Miglieglia. A shuttle service connects the two valley stations Miglieglia and Rivera in the late afternoon. This way you can easily get back to the starting point of the hike.

• 13,1 km
• 5 hrs.
• 830 meters of ascent
• 800 meters of altitude in the descent

From Alpe Foppa to Capanna Tamaro

This short hike is suitable for the whole family. The Capanna Tamaro is a refuge. It was built in 1941 and enlarged in 1988. A sunny terrace and homemade cakes invite you to stay. The path is signposted and goes a bit in the direction of Monte Lema. The way back follows the same route.

• 5,2 km
• 2 hrs.
• 336 meters of ascent and descent

Alpe di Neggia - Monte Tamaro

The trail leads from Alpe di Neggia to Monte Tamaro. The path is well maintained and easy to follow. In the upper part there are several rope belays on the rock.

• 10,9 km
• 3:11 hrs.
• 788 meters in altitude in ascent and descent

Monte Tamaro

From Alpe Foppa you pass the Capanna Tamaro refuge and reach the top of the mountain. The one-way route takes about 1.5 hours.

• 7,8 km
• 3 hrs.
• 554 meters of altitude difference in ascent and descent

Circular hike Alpe Foppa

Starting point for this hike is the toboggan run at Alpe Foppa. A rather flat ascent with a short challenging section leads to Capanna Tamaro. A narrow path then leads steeply down to Alpe Dragno. In this alpine hut cheese is produced and sold. The last section leads as a high-altitude trail back to Alpe Foppa.

• 6,6 km
• 2:50 hrs.
• 492 vertical meters in ascent and descent

Mountain biking and cycling

On Monte Tamaro, 70 km of marked routes and a free charging station for e-bikes await you at Alpe Foppa. Here is also available a maintenance station for all mountain bikes.

KtTI Rivera|Monte Tamaro|Carbon Trail|Vira

The 1600 meters of ascent are reduced to 550 meters if you take the cable car to Alpe Foppa. The track on Tamaro and the Carbon Trail in the Gambarogno Valley are the most beautiful parts for a freeride enduristi.

• 26,2 km
• 5:30 hrs.
• 1577 vertical meters ascent
• 1834 meters of altitude descent

Monte Tamaro - Hills and mountains, rivers and lake

On this route bikers can ride the most fascinating landscapes of the area in a single tour. The hilly area crosses the panoramic mountains of Monte Tamaro and Monte Lema. The rivers and deltas Magliasina and Vedeggio are descended as well as the famous Lake Maggiore, into which they flow. The start is directly at the mountain station on Alpe Foppa. It ends in Rivera at its valley station.

• 65,6 km
• 7 hrs.
• 1120 vertical meters ascent
• 2184 meters of altitude descent

Monte Tamaro - Up & down to the lake

This route leads gently from the mountain to the valley. The start is directly at the mountain station on Alpe Foppa. The destination is the valley station in Rivera. The route does not follow the official signposts.

• 49.1 km
• 5 hrs.
• 786 vertical meters ascent
• 1842 meters of altitude descent

Monte Tamaro - On the traces of Lugano Bike

The two last stages of the famous Lugano Bike n. 66 are connected on this tour. Malcantone is a hilly area well suited for mountain bikers.

• 81,4 km
• 9 hrs.
• 1567 meters of ascent
• 2617 meters of altitude descent

Paragliding

On Monte Tamaro there are four possible launch sites and one landing site.

Launch site Alpe Foppa (easy) The launch site is located at N 46°07'00.2″ E 8°53'39.1″ at an altitude of 1,500 meters. The take-off site is reached by the mountain railroad (go down the stairs at the cable car). The flight direction is S/SE.

Launching is possible here (paraglider and delta) from March to November, in the afternoons it can get turbulent.

Launch site Vetta Tamaro (medium) The launch site is located at N 46°06'31.7″ E 8°53'9.4″ at an altitude of 1,840 meters. Reached by taking the cable car and walking for one hour (50 meters from the hut). Launch site is under the antenna. Flying is in the direction of the south.

Can be launched here (paraglider) from March to November.

Launch site Cima di Medeglia (easy) The launch site is located at N 46°07'47.6″ E 8°56'45.3″ at 1,250 meters above sea level opposite Monte Tamaro. For a higher launch site you have to follow the road. The flight direction is S/SW.

Launching is possible here (paraglider and delta) throughout the year, but not during hunting season. Watch out in case of snow.

Decollo Basso launching site (easy) The launch site is located at N 46°06'59.7″ E 8°56'39.8″ at 840 meters above sea level, opposite Monte Tamaro. Park the car in Canedo, continue on foot. The flight direction is SW.

Launching is possible here (paraglider and delta) throughout the year, but not during hunting season. Watch out in case of snow.

Landing field Bironico The landing site is located at N 46°'06'45.2", E 8°55'51.4" at an altitude of 445 meters. It is located at the Rivera exit in the direction of Bironico. The landing site is opposite the gas station. There are no obstacles, landing is very easy. It should be landed only on mowed grass.

Provider of tandem flights in paragliding with professional pilot:

• Pink Baron
• Flyticino
• Paramania
• Tandem paragliding Ticino
• Eagletandemfly

Zip Line

The zip line is located near the mountain station. At the start point, there's a quick briefing. Visitors are then secured with a pulley on a steel cable, which is connected with a safety harness. Over a distance of about 400 meters, you'll race down into the valley at speeds of up to 60 km/h. An automatic braking system ensures a safe stop at the destination.

Kids aged 9 and up can join in. The maximum weight limit is 110 kilograms.

Offer on Swiss Activities:

• Zip Line Ticket at Monte Tamaro

It's open from April until the first week of November from 10:30 AM to 4:40 PM (in July and August until 5:40 PM).

Facts:

• Length: 440 m
• Average slope: 10%
• Elevation difference: 42 m
• Maximum speed: 60 km/h
• Diameter of the steel cable: 14.5 mm
• Zip Line Regulations

Zip Line

The zip line is located near the mountain station. At the starting point, there will be a brief introduction. Afterwards, visitors are secured with a pulley on a steel cable, connected by a safety harness. Over a distance of about 400 meters, you can zoom down to the valley at speeds of up to 60 km/h. An automatic braking system ensures a safe stop at the end.

Children aged 9 and up are allowed to participate. The maximum weight limit is 110 kilograms.

Offer at Swiss Activities:

• Zip Line Ticket at Monte Tamaro

It is open from April until the first week of November from 10:30 AM to 4:40 PM (in July and August until 5:40 PM).

Facts:

• Length: 440 m
• Average Gradient: 10%
• Elevation Difference: 42 m
• Top Speed: 60 km/h
• Diameter of the Steel Cable: 14.5 mm
• Zip Line Regulations

Summer Toboggan Run

Near the mountain station at Alpe Foppa, there's a large summer toboggan run. It's 800 meters long and features several spins and curves. You can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h in a double bob.

Children from three years old can ride with at least one person who is eight years or older (minimum height of 1.35 m).

Offer at Swiss Activities:

• Summer Toboggan Run Ticket at Monte Tamaro

The toboggan run is open from April until the end of the first week of November from 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM. During July and August, it's open an hour longer, until 5:45 PM.

Facts

• Track Length: 800 meters
• Elevation Difference: 80 meters
• Top Speed: 50 km/h
• Usage Conditions

Rope Park

The Rope Park has evolved into an adventure park over time. It also features the Final Tamaro Jumping, where you can jump from a height of 13 m in free fall.

The park consists of fixed and movable obstacles, strung high between the branches of centuries-old beech trees. For the safety of guests, a new carabiner system has been introduced. The "Clic-it" prevents simultaneous disconnection from the safety lines. Safety lines are present on all courses.

Three courses (mini, medium, large) are tailored to the minimum age of participants. Each course offers a wide variety of exercises, totaling 63 obstacles of different difficulty levels suitable for the whole family.

Large Course

This course is open to persons who are at least 140 cm tall and 9 years old. It features various difficulty levels that gradually increase and runs through the entire forest. The highlight is the Final Tamaro Jumping with a free fall of about 13 m.

Medium Course

This course is for kids between 120 cm and 150 cm tall, starting from age 7. It includes exercises primarily focused on safety at heights of three to eight meters. At the end of the course, adventurous participants can tackle an "Extreme" level.

Mini Course

Children from 4 years old can join if they are no taller than 130 cm. This course is designed exclusively for kids and features exercises from the higher courses at a height of about one meter. The various difficulty levels can thus also be practiced and mastered by the smallest participants.

Offer at Swiss Activities:

• Rope Park Ticket including the ride at Monte Tamaro

Last access to the courses from April to the end of the first week of November:

• large 2:30 PM (July/August 3:30 PM)
• medium 3:30 PM (July/August 4:30 PM)
• mini 3:30 PM (July/August 4:30 PM)

Children's playground

The large children's playground is located in the immediate vicinity of the Alpe Foppa restaurant. It is open from the beginning of April until after the first week of November. In addition to a large slide, there are swings, climbing equipment and small slides. Several picnic benches and tables are located within the area. The entrance is allowed for children from 3 years old under the supervision of parents.

Events at Monte Tamaro

Regular cycling competitions are held at Monte Tamaro, organized by the Veloclub Monte Tamaro. In 2020, a European Championship was even held here. Corporate events and team buildings are also offered at Monte Tamaro.

The restaurant Alpe Foppa offers combo tickets for the cable car along with the daily menu or a brunch. An apéro with local specialties is offered at a good price on weekdays, and the brunch to go on Sundays includes a table reservation in the lounge with a view of the sun terrace for 4 to 10 people.

Events and cultural activities include:

Live music on Sundays with Ciro Annovazzi is a regular event taking place on the terrace of the Alpe Foppa restaurant.

The sculptures at Alpe Foppa or the impressive church designed by Mario Botta on Alpe Foppa often serve as a breathtaking backdrop for events.

Mountain Run Tamaro Vertika

The Mountain Run Tamaro Vertikal is a challenging mountain race that takes place annually on Monte Tamaro.

The route leads from the valley station of the cable car in Rivera to the summit of Monte Tamaro at an altitude of 1962 meters. Participants have to cover a distance of about 3.6 km with an ascent of approximately 1300 meters.

Monte Tamaro: Mountain Houses, Cabins, and Restaurants

On Monte Tamaro, there is the mountain restaurant Alpa Foppa and the hut Capanna Tamaro.

Alpe Foppa

The mountain restaurant Alpe Foppa is located at 1530 m above sea level. It offers various menus of Ticinese specialties and also has a bistro. In total, there are 400 seats available. The self-service restaurant with a sun terrace offers inexpensive aperitifs on weekdays. Banquets, buffets, and aperitifs can be arranged for up to 250 people. Conference rooms are also available.

Additionally, there is a kiosk and a snack bar at Alpe Foppa. A refreshment stand is located in the rope park.

Capanna Tamaro

The hut Capanna del Tamaro is a UTOE shelter. It is located at an altitude of 1,870 m in the Trodo Valley. It stands on the ridge that connects the Duragno Valley with the Trodo Valley. The hut is about one kilometer from Monte Tamaro. The building is an old military structure from 1914 that has been modernized several times. The hut is opened by a warden from June to the end of October and is closed in winter.

Climate and weather at Monte Tamaro

Monte Tamaro is located between the mountain station and the summit at an altitude of 1530 to 1961 m. Most activities take place at Alpe Foppa. Here the average daily temperatures between April and November reach a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 18 °C. The lowest temperatures reach an average of between zero and 10 °C at night during this period.

On Monte Tamaro, a light wind blows all year round, up to about 17 km/h. The highest precipitation falls in the months of April, October and November. In November, an average of just under 200 mm/m2 is reached.

Monte Tamaro: Location and Access

Monte Tamaro is located above the village of Rivera in the canton of Ticino, close to the northeastern part of Lake Maggiore.

You can reach it by car via the A2 highway. Take the Rivera exit, which is just 200 meters from the valley station of the cable car. You can park directly at the valley station.

The local train Bellinzona - Lugano stops at the Rivera Bironico station. From there, it's a 300-meter walk to the cable car station.