Brunate, Como: Best Views, Lighthouse, Food & Afternoon Plan (2026)

Whenever friends visit me in Como and ask where to find the best view of the lake, I send them up the hill to Brunate. The Como-Brunate funicular gets you there in just 7 minutes, but knowing what to see in Brunate once you reach the top is what actually makes the trip worth it. Known as the “Balcony of the Alps”, this hilltop village around 500 meters above the lake is my favorite escape for cooler air, quiet “Stile Liberty” villas, and authentic mountain food that you won’t find down in the busy city. My tip: spend the morning in Como’s old town, then ride up to Brunate for the afternoon and sunset.

🚠 How to Reach Brunate: The Funicular Ride

The journey to Brunate is an experience in itself. From the lakeside station in Como, the historic funicular climbs the steep mountainside in just seven minutes. As you ascend, the city of Como shrinks below you, and the expansive blue of the lake opens up. It is easily one of the most photographed commutes in Italy.

Brunate in One Afternoon: A Simple Plan

If you only have one afternoon, this is the route I give friends. It covers the best views, a proper mountain meal and sunset, without rushing.

1. Early afternoon, ride up: Buy your return funicular ticket when you pass the station earlier in the day, so you can skip the ticket queue, then ride up from Piazza De Gasperi.
2. Pissarottino viewpoint (10 minutes): Start with the easy, flat walk to the balcony over Cernobbio and Villa d’Este.
3. Walk up to the lighthouse (25 to 30 minutes): Head up past the Campari fountain and the Liberty-style villas to the Volta Lighthouse terrace for the view toward Milan and the Alps.
4. Late lunch or early dinner: Stop for polenta at La Polenteria on the way back down, or wild boar pappardelle at Trattoria dei Bracconieri (book ahead at weekends).
5. Sunset: Be back near the funicular station about an hour before sunset to watch the lights come on in Como, then ride down. Or, if your knees are up for it, walk down via San Donato.

What to See in Brunate: My Top 5 Picks

Most travelers take the funicular up, snap one photo, and come right back down. Don’t do that! Take a look at this list of what to see in Brunate. Brunate is known as the “Balcony of the Alps” for a reason, and the best parts of the village are just a short walk away from the station.

1. The Volta Lighthouse (Faro Voltiano)

⚠️ 2026 Status: The tower has been closed to visitors since March 2026, after a dispute between the City of Como and the village of Brunate over who runs it. Works to reopen it were scheduled to start in October 2026. The panoramic terrace and the views at the base are still open, and they are 100% worth the hike!

The iconic landmark of Brunate sits at the very top of the hill in the San Maurizio district. Built in 1927 to honor Alessandro Volta (the inventor of the battery who was born in Como), it is the ultimate destination for hikers.

• The Hike: It’s a 25–30 minute walk uphill from the funicular. The path is paved and leads through charming streets, but it is steep, so wear comfortable walking shoes! Sometimes you can catch a ride in an open-top Jeep that shuttles people to the top for a few Euros, but the service can be hit-or-miss depending on the season.
• The View: On a clear day in 2026, the panorama is unbeatable. You can see the skyscrapers of Milan to the south and the massive, snow-capped Monte Rosa in Switzerland to the north.
• Pro Tip: If the lighthouse is open, climb the spiral staircase. The view gets more impressive with every level until you reach the 360-degree balcony at the top.

2. The “Pissarottino” Viewpoint

If you aren’t in the mood for a long uphill climb, follow the signs for “Pissarottino.” This is an easy, mostly flat 10-minute walk that hugs the side of the mountain. It leads to a natural balcony overlooking the western branch of the lake, giving you a bird’s-eye view of Cernobbio and the famous Villa d’Este. It’s the best “effort-to-reward” ratio in town!

3. Liberty-Style Architecture

As you wander toward the lighthouse, keep your eyes open for the stunning villas lining the streets. Brunate was the “place to be” for wealthy Milanese and Como families in the early 1900s. You’ll see incredible “Stile Liberty” (Italian Art Nouveau) architecture, featuring ornate ironwork and floral frescoes that are incredibly photogenic.

4. The Campari Fountain (Fontana del Campari)

Keep a lookout for this quirky bit of history on Via Roma as you walk toward the lighthouse. This Art Deco fountain was built in the 1930s as a “monumental advertisement” for the famous red bitter. Only three of these original fountains remain in all of Italy! It’s a great spot for a unique photo, and yes, the water is drinkable (though sadly, it’s fresh mountain water and not Campari!).

5. Church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo

Located right in the heart of the village, this church dates back to the 14th century. While it was largely rebuilt in the 1930s, it remains a peaceful sanctuary with beautiful local frescoes and a striking facade. It’s the perfect place to sit for a moment and soak in the quiet mountain atmosphere before heading back down to the busy streets of Como.

They don’t call Brunate the ‘Balcony of the Alps’ for nothing. Watch this quick video of the view from the Volta Lighthouse to see why this is my #1 recommendation for anyone visiting Como in 2026.

Where to Eat: Authentic Mountain Flavors

Dining in Brunate is a different experience than down by the lake. Up here, the menus shift toward “Cucina di Montagna” meaning hearty portions, local cheeses, and wild boar. Here are my personal favorites that are all open and ready for the 2026 season:

For the “Local Legend” Experience: Trattoria dei Bracconieri

If you only have one meal in Brunate, make it this one. It’s famous for a reason.

• The Dish: You have to try the Pappardelle with Wild Boar (Cinghiale).
• The Vibe: It’s cozy, rustic, and feels like eating in a mountain cabin.
• Local Tip: It’s very popular with locals on weekends, so I highly recommend booking a table in advance.

For a Quick Bite with a View: Capolinea Bistrot

Located right next to the funicular station, this is the most convenient spot, but the quality is surprisingly high.

• The Dish: Their Onion Soup (Zuppa di Cipolle) is a Brunate specialty.
• The Vibe: Great for a high-quality pizza or a quick Aperol Spritz on the terrace while you wait for the next funicular car.

For the True Mountain Classic: La Polenteria

As the name suggests, this place is the “King of Polenta.” If you haven’t tried it, polenta is a staple of Lombardy, a creamy, hearty cornmeal dish that is the ultimate Italian comfort food. It’s located on the way to the lighthouse, making it a perfect stop on your way to or from it.

• The Dish: You can get polenta served with almost anything, but my favorites are the versions with melted local cheeses or the rich, slow-cooked venison stew.
• The Vibe: It’s incredibly cozy. It is the perfect place to warm up on a cooler March or April day when you need something soul-filling after a hike.

For a Relaxed Family Pizza: Pizzeria Osteria Il Faro

A bit further from the main tourist path, this is where you go for a relaxed, no-frills meal.

• The Dish: Classic wood-fired pizzas that won’t break the bank.
• The Vibe: Very friendly service and popular with the families who actually live in the village.

For the “Wow” Factor: Ristorante Bellavista

If you are looking for a romantic spot or a place to celebrate, this is it.

• The Vibe: As the name implies, the view from their dining room is spectacular, especially at sunset. It’s a bit more “refined” than the rustic trattorias, making it a great choice for a long, lazy lunch.

🥾 Hiking from Brunate: Trails for Every Level

If you’ve got your walking shoes on, Brunate is the perfect starting point for some of the best panoramic hikes in the region. Here are three routes I recommend:

1. The Easy Descent: Brunate to Como via San Donato

Don’t want to wait for the funicular back down? You can walk! This is a beautiful downhill path that takes about 45–60 minutes.

• The Route: Follow the signs for “Como per San Donato.”
• The Highlight: Halfway down, you’ll pass the Eremo di San Donato, a former 15th-century convent perched on the cliffside with a killer view of the city.
• Pro Tip: This path consists of steep, historic stone steps. It’s easy on the lungs but can be tough on the knees, so take it slow!

2. The Classic Day Hike: Brunate to Torno (Strada Regia)

This is one of the most famous “bridge” hikes on the lake. It connects the mountain to the water.

• The Experience: You’ll walk through chestnut forests and pass through the tiny stone hamlet of Monte Piatto.
• The Highlight: Look for the Pietra Pendula, a massive “mushroom” rock balanced precariously on a smaller stone.
• The Finish: After about 2.5 hours, you’ll end up in the beautiful lakeside village of Torno. From there, you can catch a ferry back to Como. It’s the perfect loop!

3. The Peak Performance: Monte Boletto

For those who want to get as high as possible, this trail leads to one of the most famous summits in the area.

The Reward: At 1,236 meters, you get a true “top of the world” feeling with views that stretch from the Apennines to the highest peaks of the Swiss Alps.

The Hike: It’s a moderate climb starting from the San Maurizio area (near the lighthouse). It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit.

Final Thoughts: Is Brunate Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re coming for the 360-degree views from the Volta Lighthouse, a hearty plate of polenta at La Polenteria, or a peaceful hike through the chestnut forests, Brunate offers a perspective of Lake Como that you simply can’t get from the shore.

The funicular runs every day from early morning until late evening, so it’s easy to fit Brunate into even a short stay in Como. Just remember to bring your walking shoes and a camera; you’re going to need both!

Brunate FAQ

How do you get from Como to Brunate?

The easiest way is the funicular from Piazza De Gasperi on the Como lakefront: 7 minutes, €3.60 one way or €7.20 return, with departures roughly every 15 minutes from early morning until late evening. You can also walk up in about 1 to 1.5 hours on steep paths, or drive the narrow road up the hill (parking at the top is limited). See my funicular guide for the timetable and how to skip the ticket line.

Is the Volta Lighthouse open?

Not inside, as of October 2026. The tower has been closed since March 2026 while the City of Como and Brunate sorted out who manages it, and works to reopen it were planned from October. You can still walk up to the terrace at its base, which has almost the same view.

How much time do you need in Brunate?

Two hours is enough for the funicular, the Pissarottino viewpoint and a drink with a view. Allow half a day if you want to walk to the lighthouse and have lunch, and a full day if you plan to hike to Monte Boletto or Torno.

Where is the best viewpoint in Brunate?

For the least effort, the Pissarottino viewpoint, 10 minutes on the flat from the funicular, looks over the western branch of the lake toward Cernobbio. For the widest panorama, walk up to the Volta Lighthouse terrace, where on clear days you can see from Milan’s skyline to Monte Rosa.

Ready to Explore More?

Have a question about your trip to Brunate? Drop a comment below or tag me in your photos from the lighthouse – I’d love to see that 2026 view!