Day 166: Switzerland - Done And Dusted

Monte Bigorio to Morcote

Distance: 30km


As during the previous two days, today starts with a hefty descent as well. Via an initially steep and rocky one, which is followed by a more shallow descent, I make my way towards Lugano. The sole of my feet are hurting a bit. The rocky Ticinesi trails have taken their toll. So I don't mind the road walk through Lugano and its suburbs, where the trail is not marked. I navigate by phone even though the way is quite obvious. Down to Lago di Lugano, then along the busy Promenade towards San Salvatore, Switzerland's version of the Sugarloaf, towering on the other side of the city.


The 800 meter steep climb in the noon heat is daunting. I take it slow. Sweat is dripping down. Never would I have imagined my body was able to sweat this much.

There were hardly any people stupid enough to do the hike up there. Yet, there is a heavily tattooed girl climbing it as well and we get into a refreshing conversation once we both took the wrong turn at an intersection. Turns out she's a Kiwi stripper, who got bored with New Zealand and thus moved to the UK. Obviously, I have to object to the "boring" part but she only shrugs and replies she might return once she's old. She asks me why the Swiss are so slow walkers. I say I have no clue but agree that we are indeed slow walkers. I also have to pass on the question, which city she can earn the most money with stripping. The questions keep coming until we reach the top of San Salvatore, where we say goodbye as she continues and I, as a slow Swiss, am enjoying the spectacular panorama from the top, which is reachable by cable car as well. I expected it to be crowded but luckily I am wrong. I have the observation tower all to myself.


Once I have soaked up the views, I continue along the ridge, passing through two lovely villages. I bump into the stripper again. Seems like she's not that fast of a walker at last. While she is staying, I continue along the shallow ridge, through a botanical garden and into the forest again. When only a short but steep descent is parting me from Morcote, and I spot the sand colored roofs, I start to realize how close I actually am to my goal of this summer's section. This makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. The well know being-torn-between-happy-and-sad-feeling. Sad that my wonderful time on the trail is over, happy to enjoy the amenities of the "normal" life. Proper food, more shade, a real bed,... But my hike is not over just yet. The last kilometer I descend via a steep stair, making me feel each and every muscle on my feet and legs. I look down at the emerald green Lago di Lugano. Knowing that I will be swimming in it in less than 15 minutes gives me a last energy boost.

After a quick stroll through the picturesque Morcote, I find a spot on the lake, taking off my shirt and jump in. I feel like a red-hot fire poker dipped into the water. It feels great. However, with a water temperature of 28 degrees Celsius it takes me a while to cool down. Doesn't matter. I've got 2 hours until my boat departs back towards Lugano.

I thoroughly enjoy my time on the lake. The happy-to-have-finished-feeling is now the prevailing one. Eventually, I make my way to the jetty. I feel like a "normal" person in a clean, good smelling set of clothes that I have been carrying across Switzerland.

At the busy jetty, the official ending or starting point of E1, I am looking for any kind of plaque honoring this fact. But there's none. Not even a sticker. Oh well, maybe I need to hike across the country again and take some stickers with me. 


The boat leaves more or less on time. To my left, I see Morcote slowly getting smaller and smaller. On my right I see Porto Ceresio. The starting point of E1 in Italy. But that's for another time. Now all I am looking forward to is an air-conditioned train carriage taking me back home. 


Monte Tamaro in spectacular evening lught
Monte Tamaro in spectacular evening lught
Last day on E1
Last day on E1
The one million dollar view of Lugano
The one million dollar view of Lugano
Lugano Piazza Grande
Lugano Piazza Grande
San Salvatore in background
San Salvatore in background
Leaving Lugano behind
Leaving Lugano behind
San Salvatore
San Salvatore
Enjoying...
Enjoying...
... the amazing panorama
... the amazing panorama
Picturesque village along the way.
Picturesque village along the way.
Morcote in sight!
Morcote in sight!
The last few steps
The last few steps
The stretch of death (at least that's what I think it means)
The stretch of death (at least that's what I think it means)
The end or beginning of E1 in Switzerland
The end or beginning of E1 in Switzerland
Switzerland - done and dusted
Switzerland - done and dusted

Write a comment

Comments: 4
  • #1

    George Mills (Wednesday, 20 July 2022 08:25)

    Switzerland done and dusted. Look forward for the next installment- Italy. We'll done enjoy the trip home and a good rest. Relax

  • #2

    Klaus and Gisela (Wednesday, 20 July 2022 08:29)

    Congratulations. We are really happy you've reached the southernmost point on E1 in Switzerland without any injuries. It was surely a great effort to hike this years stretch on the trail in this hot and dry conditions.
    Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. It was also an amazing experience to meet you in the Gotthard region and relive some trail life.
    We're looking forward to your post and stories from the next section in Italy.
    All the Best, Klaus and Gisela

  • #3

    Rob (Friday, 22 July 2022 16:20)

    Arohamai Sandro. I don't know why I thought I had already left you a message here. A belated but nevertheless well intended CONGRATULATIONS. You knocked off two countries this section. Well done!
    Another wonderful season of following you through our winter months.
    All the best, now for your off time. See you again, when next you start your ongoing hikoi through Italy. Noho haumaru.

  • #4

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