Brunate, Como

Village in Como

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Luca Casartelli

Brunate, often called the Balcony of the Alps, is one of the most enchanting places to explore above Lake Como. Perched at 715 meters, it offers sweeping views over the lake, Como city, and the distant mountains. Reached in just seven minutes by the historic Como-Brunate Funicular, it is one of the best places to visit in Como for those seeking fresh air, quiet charm, and unforgettable scenery.

Stepping off the funicular feels like arriving in another world. Brunate's winding streets, elegant villas, and relaxed atmosphere make it a highlight of any walking tour of Como, especially for travelers who want to pair natural beauty with local culture. Whether you're here for a gentle stroll or a scenic hike, the village offers a perfect escape from the lakeside bustle.

History and Significance of Brunate
Things to See and Do in Brunate
How to Get to Brunate
Practical Tips on Visiting Brunate
Where to Stay close to Brunate
Is Brunate Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Brunate
Nearby Attractions to Brunate

History and Significance of Brunate

Brunate’s strategic setting has long given it an important place in the region’s history. Its altitude provided early inhabitants with commanding views over the valley, while later centuries saw the village develop into a peaceful retreat for Milanese families seeking cooler summer temperatures.

The opening of the Como-Brunate Funicular in 1894 transformed access to the village, allowing visitors to reach the hilltop swiftly and safely. As wealthy families began building villas in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Brunate blossomed into a haven of Art Nouveau architecture. Many of these villas still line the paths and lanes, giving the village an elegant and somewhat nostalgic character.

Today, Brunate remains a beloved getaway with a strong identity rooted in nature, architecture, and the legacy of Alessandro Volta, who grew up in the surrounding hills.

Things to See and Do in Brunate

Begin your visit with a leisurely walk through Brunate’s narrow streets. The village is dotted with Art Nouveau villas, ornate ironwork balconies, and hidden viewpoints. Cafés and small restaurants provide ideal spots to pause and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

One of Brunate's signature experiences is the walk to the Faro Voltiano (Volta Lighthouse), a 29-meter octagonal tower built in 1927 in honor of Alessandro Volta. The route takes about 30 minutes from the village center, passing through wooded paths and scenic terraces overlooking Lake Como. From the lighthouse's terrace, the view stretches across the Alps and deep into Lombardy.

For lovers of the outdoors, Brunate serves as a gateway to numerous hiking trails. Paths lead to Monte Boletto, San Maurizio, Corni di Canzo, and other destinations, offering a range of difficulty levels. Whether you prefer gentle woodland strolls or more challenging ridge walks, the hills around Brunate deliver unforgettable panoramas.

How to Get to Brunate

Most visitors reach Brunate via the historic Como-Brunate Funicular, which departs from the Como lakefront near the city center. Trains and buses connect Como easily with Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate airports. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Como on Booking.com.

If you arrive in Como by train, Como San Giovanni station is the most convenient, located a short walk from the funicular departure point. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy.

Traveling by car is also possible. The road to Brunate climbs steeply with tight curves, but parking is available near the village center. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting Brunate

Best time to visit Brunate: Clear mornings or sunset for the best views.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free to visit the village; funicular ticket required for transport.
Opening hours: Brunate is a public village; shops and cafés have varied hours.
Official website: Search “Brunate tourism” for updated event and trail information.
How long to spend: 2-4 hours, longer if hiking or visiting the Faro Voltiano.
Accessibility: Village center is accessible; paths to the lighthouse involve uphill walking.
Facilities: Cafés, restaurants, restrooms, and small shops.
Photography tip: Capture Como’s rooftops from the first major viewpoint just above the funicular.
Guided tours: Available through local operators, often including lighthouse visits.
Nearby food options: Small trattorias and cafés with terraces offering incredible lake views.

Where to Stay close to Brunate

For those wanting to stay near Brunate's panoramic views, the village offers a few intimate accommodations, but many travelers prefer to stay in Como and ride the funicular as needed. Down in the city, Palace Hotel provides elegant lakeside rooms. Albergo Firenze offers a central and convenient base near the funicular station, while Hotel Tre Re is a characterful and historic option close to key attractions.

Is Brunate Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Brunate is one of the must-see places in Como, offering unmatched panoramic views, peaceful streets, and easy access via the funicular. Whether you're here for scenic strolls, photography, or a breathtaking hike to the Faro Voltiano, the village captures the magic of Lake Como from a completely different angle.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (30)

Fontana Campari on Via Roma in Brunate is one of only three surviving fountains from a 1930s Campari campaign; set in a neo-rationalist style with a bas-relief and originally featuring sculpted heads on flanking columns, it remains well preserved and sits in a panoramic spot along a busy road where a few benches offer places to pause—visitors note its historical advertising purpose and occasional closure, and some playfully describe taps supplying Campari-themed drinks.

Robert S

2 years ago

"This fountain was a cool thing to walk by and read about, but after walking up to Brunate from Como, we would have appreciated if it were on. It hasa couple benches nearby, but it’s located on quite a busy road so it’s not an ideal place to hang out...."

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Marinella Zavaglia

2 years ago

"Excellent idea for advertising the product, considering it was made in the 1930s. A typical beam-style construction. It's still admirable."

Free Experience

3 years ago

"It was the early 1930s when the son of Campari's founder, to celebrate the company's 70th a iversary, commissioned a revolutionary and pioneeringmarketing campaign. To implement it, he commissioned sculptor Giuseppe Gnocchi to create 30 fountains across the country. The purpose was noble: to provide public water, which at the time still wasn't reaching every home. The fountain in Brunate is one of three remaining; the other two are located in Tuscany. It was built in a neo-rationalist style, in keeping with the aesthetic canons of the time. In addition to the bas-relief from which three fountains gushed, the two columns on either side of the structures featured the sculpted heads of Mussolini and King Vittorio Emanuele II. These figures were later removed after the war...."

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FAQs for Visiting Brunate

About seven minutes each way.

Moderately easy, taking about 30 minutes with some uphill sections.

Yes, several cafés and restaurants offer meals with beautiful views.

Yes, the funicular usually runs until late evening in high season.

Definitely-many scenic trails begin in the village.

Nearby Attractions to Brunate

Faro Voltiano: A hilltop lighthouse with panoramic views.
Funicolare Como-Brunate: The scenic lift connecting Brunate and Como.
Lake Como Waterfront: Perfect for lakeside walks before or after your ascent.
Tempio Voltiano: A museum dedicated to Alessandro Volta.
Piazza Cavour: Como's lively central square near the funicular station.

The Brunate appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Como!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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