Brunate is a hillside village in Italy, reached by a historic funicular railway that climbs from the lakeside city below. Sitting about 700 metres above sea level, it is a place people visit to look out rather than to look at, and its views over Lake Como and the Alps are the main reason to come.
What the visit offers
The village is known as the "Balcony of the Alps", a name that suits the wide outlook from its terraces and paths. Because the ride up is part of the experience, many visitors treat the funicular as the start of the day rather than a simple way to get from A to B.
- Panoramic views over Lake Como and the surrounding Alps
- Hiking routes from the village along the hillside
- Good conditions for photography, especially in clear weather
Planning your trip
Brunate suits a slower pace: a walk around the village, time to stop at the viewpoints, and perhaps a longer hike if you are equipped for it. Because it is a hilltop, the air and weather can differ from the lake below, so it is worth checking conditions before you set out. The lakeside city at the foot of the funicular makes a natural base, and many visitors combine the two in a single day.