Brusimpiano
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Latest page update: 9 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The lakeside town of Brusimpiano is situated in the Province of Varese, on the shores of Lake Lugano. It has a population of around 1,200 residents and is located 80 kilometres north west of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy.
Nearby places of interest include Lavena Ponte Tresa, Porto Ceresio and Monte San Giorgio. |
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Brusimpiano Overview
Brusimpiano, located in the Lombardy region, is a small village set on the shores of Lake Lugano, offering stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty, Brusimpiano provides a tranquil retreat for those seeking to enjoy both nature and the traditional charm of a lakeside village. The village’s narrow streets, traditional houses, and lakeside setting make it an ideal destination for visitors looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.
Brusimpiano is famous for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the water, taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding hills. The village is home to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, a small church with historical significance. For outdoor enthusiasts, Brusimpiano offers a variety of hiking and cycling trails that lead into the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the lake and nearby landscapes. The village’s serene setting, combined with its natural beauty and proximity to other towns on the lake, makes it a perfect base for exploring the Lombardy region.
Brusimpiano is famous for its lakeside promenade, where visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along the water, taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Lugano and the surrounding hills. The village is home to the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista, a small church with historical significance. For outdoor enthusiasts, Brusimpiano offers a variety of hiking and cycling trails that lead into the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the lake and nearby landscapes. The village’s serene setting, combined with its natural beauty and proximity to other towns on the lake, makes it a perfect base for exploring the Lombardy region.
Top Things to Do in Brusimpiano
- Lake Lugano Waterfront: Brusimpiano sits on the eastern shore of Lake Lugano, near the Swiss border, with a peaceful lakeside promenade and small harbour. The waterfront features benches, a grassy beach area, and views across the lake to the surrounding wooded hills, making it ideal for swimming and lakeside picnics.
- Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo: This parish church is one of the village’s oldest landmarks, featuring a stone façade and bell tower. Its interior houses traditional altars and frescoes, reflecting Brusimpiano’s historical ties to both Italian and Swiss religious traditions.
- Local Park and Nature Area: Near the lakefront is a shaded park with children’s play areas and walking paths, often used by families and visitors enjoying the quiet surroundings. The area also connects to trails leading into the surrounding hills and forests of the Valceresio.
- Hiking and Cross-Border Excursions: Brusimpiano is located near several scenic walking trails, including routes that lead up into the Monte Pravello and Monte Piambello areas. The border with Switzerland is easily accessible, allowing for cross-border hikes or short drives to destinations such as Morcote or Lugano.
- Day Trip to Porto Ceresio: Just 15 minutes away, Porto Ceresio offers a larger lakeside promenade, restaurants, and ferry connections to the Swiss side of Lake Lugano. It makes a pleasant excursion for a change of atmosphere, with more activity and services while remaining close by.
Comune di Brusimpiano
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Province: Varese
Region: Lombardy Population: 1,179 (in 2024 - source) Size: 6 km² Elevation: 289 metres Close by: Lavena Ponte Tresa, Porto Ceresio, Monte San Giorgio |
Where to Stay in Brusimpiano - My Recommended Accommodation
- Hotel Caroline Located directly on the lakefront, this three-star hotel offers comfortable rooms with balconies, an outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant with panoramic views over Lake Lugano. Guests appreciate the peaceful lakeside setting, private beach access, and proximity to the Swiss border. €€€ (high-end)
- B&B La Tana del Tasso Set in a quiet residential area above the town, this bed and breakfast features rustic-style rooms, a shared terrace, and garden. Visitors enjoy the friendly atmosphere, homemade breakfast, and views of the surrounding hills. €€ (mid-range)
- Holiday Home Villetta A self-catering house located near the lake, offering a garden, terrace, and private parking. Guests value the independence, well-equipped kitchen, and the short walk to the lakeside promenade and local cafés. €€ (mid-range)
- Appartamento sul Lago di Lugano A lakeside apartment with direct views over the water, offering a modern kitchen, balcony, and comfortable furnishings. Ideal for couples or small families, this property is popular for its location near walking trails and swimming spots. €€ (mid-range)
- La Casetta di Bru A compact holiday home in the centre of Brusimpiano, just steps from the lake. Guests appreciate the convenient location, clean interior, and easy access to shops, ferry connections, and the Swiss town of Morcote just across the water. € (budget)
Where to Eat in Brusimpiano - My Recommended Restaurants
- Ristorante Trattoria del Porto: Located close to the lakefront in Brusimpiano, this trattoria serves traditional Italian dishes with an emphasis on fresh fish from Lake Lugano. The menu features pasta, grilled meats, and daily specials, all served in a relaxed setting with outdoor tables available in summer. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Osteria Al Grottino: Also in Brusimpiano, this small osteria offers a cosy and informal atmosphere, specialising in local home-style cooking. Dishes include polenta, cured meats, and simple pasta recipes, with friendly service and good value for money. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Pizzeria da Franco: Situated near the main road through town, this pizzeria is known for its classic wood-fired pizzas and fast service. The setting is casual and family-friendly, making it a convenient option for a quick and satisfying meal. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
- Ristorante Poncione: Found in the hills above Porto Ceresio (approximately 6 km from Brusimpiano), this rustic restaurant offers panoramic views and a menu of mountain dishes including grilled meats, hearty stews, and local cheeses. The peaceful location and traditional cooking make it worth the short drive. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante I Sapori del Lago: Located in Lavena Ponte Tresa (about 7 km from Brusimpiano), this lakeside restaurant offers refined Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh fish. The elegant dining room and terrace seating provide a pleasant setting for a more leisurely lunch or dinner. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
Brusimpiano Gallery
Places close to Brusimpiano
- Lugano (approx. 10 km north of Brusimpiano): Located just over the border in Switzerland, Lugano is a picturesque lakeside city with a Mediterranean flair. Visitors can stroll along the lakeside promenade, visit the Parco Ciani, or explore the historic centre, which is home to beautiful squares, shops, and cafes. Lugano also offers a range of cultural attractions, including museums and art galleries.
- Varese (approx. 25 km southeast of Brusimpiano): A charming town surrounded by hills and lakes, Varese is known for its beautiful parks and villas, such as Villa Panza and Villa Toeplitz. The town also offers a historic centre, perfect for strolling, with charming streets, cafes, and shops. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walking and hiking trails around the Campo dei Fiori mountain range.
- Como (approx. 25 km west of Brusimpiano): A stunning town on the shores of Lake Como, Como is famous for its scenic lakeside views, the Como Cathedral, and the neoclassical Villa Olmo. Visitors can take the Brunate Funicular for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, or enjoy a boat trip on the lake to explore the picturesque towns that line its shores.
- Laveno-Mombello (approx. 20 km northwest of Brusimpiano): A popular town on the western shore of Lake Maggiore, Laveno-Mombello is known for the Laveno Funicular, which offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The town has a beautiful lakeside promenade, several cafes and shops, and access to various outdoor activities, such as hiking and boating.
- Sesto Calende (approx. 25 km south of Brusimpiano): Located on the southern shore of Lake Maggiore, Sesto Calende is a peaceful town with a scenic lakeside promenade and a historic centre. The town offers opportunities for boat trips on the lake, as well as hiking and cycling in the nearby Parco del Ticino. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxing day out with beautiful natural surroundings.
How to get to Brusimpiano
By Rail: Brusimpiano does not have its own train station. The nearest railway stations are in Ponte Tresa (Switzerland) and Varese, both of which offer regional train services. From Ponte Tresa, located about 10 kilometres away, trains connect to Lugano via the FLP (Ferrovie Luganesi) line, with a journey time of approximately 25 minutes. Varese, around 20 kilometres to the south, offers Trenord services to Milan and other destinations. Brusimpiano can be reached from either station by taxi or local bus, although services are limited.
By Road: Brusimpiano is located on the eastern shore of Lake Lugano, close to the Swiss border, in the province of Varese. It is about 75 kilometres north-west of Milan and 20 kilometres north of Varese. The drive from Milan takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A8 motorway and local mountain roads. From Varese, the drive takes about 40 minutes. Parking is available near the lake and within the village.
By Ferry: Brusimpiano is not served by regular ferry services. The nearest ferry connections on Lake Lugano operate from Lugano and Paradiso, both in Switzerland. These towns are located around 20 kilometres away and offer seasonal Navigazione Lago di Lugano services to destinations including Gandria, Morcote, and Caslano. While Brusimpiano does have a lakeside promenade and marina area, public passenger boats do not currently stop there.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Brusimpiano is located on the eastern shore of Lake Lugano, close to the Swiss border, in the province of Varese. It is about 75 kilometres north-west of Milan and 20 kilometres north of Varese. The drive from Milan takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A8 motorway and local mountain roads. From Varese, the drive takes about 40 minutes. Parking is available near the lake and within the village.
By Ferry: Brusimpiano is not served by regular ferry services. The nearest ferry connections on Lake Lugano operate from Lugano and Paradiso, both in Switzerland. These towns are located around 20 kilometres away and offer seasonal Navigazione Lago di Lugano services to destinations including Gandria, Morcote, and Caslano. While Brusimpiano does have a lakeside promenade and marina area, public passenger boats do not currently stop there.
Nearest International Airports:
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Malpensa): Located approximately 50 kilometres south-west of Brusimpiano, the drive takes about 1 hour. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport for direct travel to the village.
- Milan Linate Airport (Aeroporto di Milano-Linate): Situated around 90 kilometres south of Brusimpiano, the drive takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. Travellers can also take a train from Milan Centrale to Varese, followed by road transport to Brusimpiano.
- Milan Bergamo Airport (Aeroporto di Bergamo-Orio al Serio): Approximately 120 kilometres south-east of Brusimpiano, the drive takes about 2 hours. Public transport includes a combination of train and bus travel via Milan and Varese.
