Key Takeaways

Hike to Lago di Lucendro on Gotthard Pass — Discover the best viewpoint of Lake Lucendro (Lago di Lucendro) with panoramic Swiss Alps scenery on this short, but scenic trail.

Moderate 2.3 km Alpine Adventure — This quick 1.4 mile out-and-back route near Airolo offers a perfect, moderate mountain hike suitable for most fitness levels.

Explore History and Hydro Power — Witness massive wind turbines and historic Swiss military bunkers near the Lake Lucendro dam wall on this popular Gotthard Pass day hike.

Lake Lucendro (Lago di Lucendro) Hike

Hike the best viewpoint of Lago di Lucendro (Lake Lucendro) on Gotthard Pass, Switzerland. This short, but moderate 2.3 km out-and-back trail near Airolo, Switzerland, offers stunning Alpine views of the Gotthard Pass, the tranquil Lake Lucendro reservoir, the massive dam wall, and passes abandoned military bunkers.

Hike to Lago di Lucendro (Lake Lucendro)

Hikers will begin at the small dirt parking lot located next to old war bunkers that line the foothills of the Alps of Gotthard pass. The trailhead leads uphill, passing wind turbines, to reach a dirt road that sits below the Lake Lucendro dam. Here, more abandoned bunkers line the foothills of the Alps and stand as testament to the Swiss engineering that made these defensive structures stand for decades.

The trail then leads toward the dam before heading uphill along a moderate, paved grade. Hikers will pass a small building with old military artillery that sits below a fluttering Swiss flag. This route then leads off of the paved trail to follow a steep hillside path that leads hikers along slightly more challenging terrain. If you wish to follow the "easier" route to the lake view, simply continue along the paved trail as it ascends. Note that if you follow the hillside path instead, you'll encounter some short rock scrambles with very steep slopes, so be careful.

Lago di Lucendro Vista: Stunning Alps Views - 1.12 km

Finally, at the top of the hill near 1.12 km, hikers will find an easy off-trail walk out to a rock outcropping that sits high above Lago di Lucendro (Lake Lucendro). Here, you'll find the tranquil turquoise-hued waters of the lake below your feet with surrounding Alps views. To the southeast sits the Lake Lucendro dam, a reservoir that holds the mountain's water back.

Return Hike: Views of Gotthard Pass & Wind Turbines - 1.12 to 2.3 km

After exploring the views of Lake Lucendro, the hike back to parking follows the paved path downhill, passing the abandoned military bunkers, to return to parking. On the hike back, you'll find more Alps views of Gotthard Pass, the massive wind turbines, and mountain hotels and restaurants that surround Lago della Piazza (Lake of the Square) to the south. Hikers will return to the parking lot around 2.3 km for this moderate, but short out-and-back Gotthard Pass hike.

How to Get to Lago di Lucendro: Parking & Directions

Visitors will find a small parking lot near the coordinates provided, located on the west side of Gotthardstrasse (561) just east of the Lago di Lucendro dam. The parking lot is large enough to fit about 30 vehicles as of September 2025. For additional parking, hikers may be able to park on the road located adjacent to the dam where this hiking route passes — see the map for coordinates.

When to Hike: Lago di Lucendro Trail Season & Closures

Hikers that want to explore Lago di Lucendro should expect the mountain pass to be open between June and October each year. Due to heavy Alpine snow, Gotthard Pass is generally closed between November and May. Conditions may change, so check local sources.

Pets

Dogs are allowed if leashed and must be cleaned up after.

Warning

Steep slopes: This trail includes an optional route that leads hikers along a very steep path where you'll find short and easy rock scambles. The terrain here might be dangerous if you slip. For safety, you can stay on the paved path to the Lake Lucendro viewpoint as the terrain is moderately steep and less sketchy.