Discover Ticino and Beyond
Nestled in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland and conveniently located near the Italian border, Hotel Serpiano is the perfect place to stay for a getaway weekend or a few nights' stay during your travels. Surrounded by nature and only 15 minutes away from the Mendrisio city center, there is certainly something for everyone to enjoy at our scenic hotel.
Mountains, vineyards, lakes, culture and history... discover the southeast part of Switzerland while staying at Hotel Serpiano!
Museum of fossils of Monte San Giorgio
Museum of fossils of Monte San Giorgio
Monte San Giorgio is one of the most important fossil deposits in the world in the Middle Triassic period, a geological era between 247 and 237 million years ago. The fossils of this mountain, known for their variety and exceptional state of preservation, have been brought to light and analysed since 1850 by Swiss and Italian paleontologists.
The Monte San Giorgio Fossil Museum, renovated and expanded by Ticino architect Mario Botta, was inaugurated in 2012. The structure displays a collection of fossils of animals and plants from the exceptional deposits of Monte San Giorgio, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 2.5 m long reconstruction of the saurian land Ticinosuchus welcomes visitors to the Museum, located in the centre of the village of Meride.
FoxTown Factory Stores
FoxTown Factory Stores
FoxTown is the temple of elegance and luxury, with 160 shops and 250 prestigious brands offering discounts from 30 to 70% throughout the year. Just 20 minutes from Serpiano and accessible by car or taxi, FoxTown is the perfect destination for shopping lovers. 3 kilometres of shop windows, 9 bars and restaurants, for an unforgettable experience: quality, style, convenience, fun and relaxation come together under one roof to fulfil the desires of everyone.
At FoxTown you will find the most prestigious Italian and international brands: Gucci, Prada, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Bally, Dolce & Gabbana, Missoni, Ralph Lauren, Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Nike, Replay, Timberland, Samsonite, Fratelli Rossetti, Brums, La Perla, Guess, Longchamp, Jilsander, Tod's, Hogan, Polo Ralph Lauren, Maje, Jimmy Choo and many others.
Visit the land of Merlot
Visit the land of Merlot
Thanks to the sunny Mediterranean climate, Ticino is a perfect place to grow grapes. Almost 90% of the area is occupied by Merlot vineyards, fermented red and white, which produce high quality wines.
Discover an area where labels of excellence are created, internationally renowned and awarded with numerous prizes. Follow the itineraries through the vineyards - reachable in a few minutes by car, with a nice walk or bike ride - and stop in the ancient cellars dug into the rock to taste and buy the famous wines directly from the producers.
A trek with breathtaking views
A trek with breathtaking views
Monte San Giorgio, 1,097 metres high, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003 for the variety and extraordinary state of conservation of its fossils, as well as being the ideal area for walks in the countryside between Italy and Switzerland.
Monte San Giorgio geo-paleontological path
In the middle of a naturalistic oasis that winds along the Swiss border, stands the imposing Monte Generoso, on whose summit stands the “Flower of stone”, the work of the famous architect Mario Botta, with two restaurants whose windows reflect a breathtaking view. For 130 years, the cogwheel railway has also climbed from Capolago, on Lake Lugano, to the summit of Generoso at 1,704 metres above sea level, covering a 9 km stretch through enchanting Alpine scenery.
Discover here the paths and activities of Monte Generoso
Walking the Tamaro-Lema crossing in both directions is one of the most beautiful hikes in the Pre-Alps, on the border between Ticino and Italy. Walking on the ridge you can admire the Lago Maggiore, the Centovalli, Valle Maggia, Val Verzasca, Locarno and Bellinzona to the North, while to the South the view opens over Lugano, its valleys, and its Lake.
Here are the details of the excursion
Detailed maps and Nordic walking sticks are available at reception.
Agriesperienze
Agriesperienze
These simple, authentic experiences have been carefully conceived to welcome guests who, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, wish to discover and visit farms, wineries and dairies, where they can learn about cultivation, wine-making and cheese-making techniques and then taste the delicious results. The more daring can actually get involved in the various agricultural activities, but just be ready to "get your hands dirty"!
Mountain Bike tours
Mountain Bike tours
The territory of South-West Mendrisiotto offers more and more quality routes for MTB enthusiasts, from the easy hike for the whole family to the more demanding route for real sportsmen.
Tour della Montagna
Distance: 34 km. Meters of climb: 800 m. Meters of downhill: 800 m.
Serpiano Flow Ride
Distance: 20 km. Meters of climb: 400 m. Meters of downhill: 400 m.
San Giorgio Tour e-xtended
Distance: 40 km. Meters of climb: 300 m. Meters of downhill: 670 m.
Moreover, at Serpiano you will find: free bike washing and maintenance corner, bike storage room and MTB guide on request.
Cruises and tours on Lake Lugano
Cruises and tours on Lake Lugano
Lake Lugano is an international tourist destination thanks to its history and charm. Its location in the centre of Europe and the Mediterranean climate make it a unique place for families and visitors who love culture and fun.
Many are the daily trips of the Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano, to visit and appreciate the beauty of our lake, as well as to taste the gastronomic delicacies of the area thanks to Brunch and Lunch Tours.
Archaeological Park of Tremona
Archaeological Park of Tremona
Archaeologists and volunteers have brought to light the remains of a medieval settlement and various finds. Rediscover the daily life of the medieval rural village that once stood where the archaeological park of Tremona is today.
To immerse yourself in a unique experience and relive the past you can rent 3D glasses at the park's Infopoint.
Swissminiatur
Swissminiatur
If you would like to have an overview of Switzerland and spend a pleasant time in a fantastic region, don't miss Swissminiatur, an exciting place and attraction for everyone who wants to visit our country.
Opened on 6 June 1959, it is a miniature open-air park and is located in Melide, on the shores of Lake Lugano, 25 minutes from Serpiano.
On an area of 14,000 m², visitors can admire over 120 1:25 scale models of Switzerland's most famous buildings and monuments. For model railway enthusiasts, a 3,560 m network of miniature railways runs through the park, which is adorned with 1,500 plants and over 15,000 flowers, while there are several play areas for children.
Monte San Giorgio
Monte San Giorgio
Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a panoramic mountain of exceptional beauty, overlooking Lake Lugano and the Alps.
Also present on the app “hike Ticino”, it offers trails of different difficulties and surrounded by nature.
Walking itineraries on Monte San Giorgio, in the surroundings and in the Mendrisiotto region
Morcote
Morcote
The picturesque village on the Ceresio is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland and is listed in the Federal Inventory (ISOS) of villages to be protected.
Overlooking the shores of Lake Ceresio, this small village offers not only characteristic restaurants, bars and small shops, but also nature activities such as the Scherrer botanical park.
Visiting Morcote is undoubtedly a characteristic and exciting experience.
Brusino Arsizio
Brusino Arsizio
A characteristic little Ticino village overlooking the lake.
Enjoy its beauty with a walk through the streets of the village, admire the splendor of the view of the mountains and the surrounding villages from the lakeside, or relax enjoying the Ticino specialties in one of the restaurants or grotti of Brusino Arsizio.
Thanks to the connection with our cable car, the village of Brusino Arsizio offers a starting point for cycling routes along the lake. It is possible to reach Riva San Vitale and Capolago in one direction or reach Porto Ceresio (Italy) in the opposite direction, another charming lake village.
Mendrisiotto Terroir
Mendrisiotto Terroir
The local and experienced Mendrisiotto Terroir team will guide you through various food and wine experiences in the Mendrisiotto area.
The team proposes various excursions to discover the landscapes, flavours and traditions of the region.
Calendar People
Calendar People
Calendar People is a platform that offers leisure activities that can bring back serenity, energy and well-being to those who participate.
Meetings where people are once again in the foreground, to “put their hands in the dough” and get away from daily stress. A return to contact with nature, to discover the territory and its craftsmen.
A way to disconnect from new technologies and find new friendships.
“Discover new passion. Awaken your emotions!”, this is the motto of Calendar People.
Galleria Baumgartner
Galleria Baumgartner
For over twenty years the Baumgartner Gallery has been a point of reference for collectors of model railways and for families. A one-of-a-kind exhibition that excites enthusiasts and leaves visitors of all ages amazed. With a surface area of 2320 m2, spread over three floors, 2540 meters of track and space for over 4000 models from Bruno Baumgartner's collection and numerous other private collections: there really is something for every taste.
Also relive the history of the Swiss Post at the Post Museum: discover objects and devices saved from a past of letters written for duty, love or glory.
Coming soon is a new model over 28 meters long that faithfully reproduces the Rothenburg station in Canton Lucerne. Work created by the Historischer Modellbahnof Rothenburg association.
More information on: www.galleriabaumgartner.ch
Hotel Serpiano
Via Serpiano, 6867 Serpiano - Switzerland
Tel +41 91 986 20 00
Info: info@serpiano.ch
Booking: reservation@serpiano.ch