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Lake Como or Lugano: Is the experience ruined by Swiss Harley Days?

I was planning on starting a two week trip in Switzerland and Germany with a stop in Lugano as a home base July 4-8 for a little Mediterranean "fix" before heading into the Alps. I've always wanted to visit the Lakes area and this seemed like a good opportunity to tack it onto our itinerary.

However, I just learned that Swiss Harley Days will be in Lugano 2 of the 4 days we were planning to be in the area. Does anyone know if the crowds and noise overtake the area and ruin the ambience one would typically expect? Would we be better off over on Lake Como (perhaps Menaggio), or should we avoid the area altogether and pick a different destination like Luzern? (Nothing against Harley riders, we're just looking for a more relaxing time for me, my husband, our four year old, and my senior parents.) We'll be flying into Zurich (that's where our frequent flier miles worked out!). The rest of our itinerary includes Appenzell, Liechtenstein, the Romantic Road and Rhine areas in Germany. For this trip, we're staying low key and avoiding big cities.

Posted by
32171 posts

bonnie,

I don't have a definite answer to your question as I've never been in Lugano on Harley Days. However, I have encountered Harleys in other locations around Europe, and didn't really find them to be much of a problem. I suspect the Harley riders will congregate in one part of the city, so if you're taking a cruise up the lake or venturing up Mt. San Salavatore, you won't have to deal with them. Having the Harleys there wouldn't "ruin" it for me.

Posted by
7129 posts

Stresa at Lake Maggoire is another good option with some beautiful islands to see. it's a relaxing town - just not sure if the time to get into Italy and back up into Switzerland would be worth it for your group. There's some beautiful lakes in Switzerland that could maximize your vacation vs. travel time.

Posted by
11613 posts

When I think of a Mediterranean experience, I don' t think first of Lugano. The suggestion to visit other cities on the lake is a good one, there are many well-connected by ferries or buses.