Brunate, Lake Como: The Balcony Above Como

Panorama over Como and Lake Como from a viewpoint in Brunate — The first basin of Lake Como seen from a viewpoint in Brunate. Photo: Łukasz Pojezierski / Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0.

Brunate sits directly above Como, high enough to turn the city, the first basin of the lake and the Lombardy plain into one broad panorama. The historic funicular makes the climb in minutes, but the village rewards visitors who stay beyond the first viewpoint.

Belle Époque villas, wooded paths and the Volta Lighthouse give Brunate a mountain-resort character very different from the waterfront below.

A brief history

Brunate grew from an old hill settlement into a fashionable summer retreat after the funicular opened in 1894. Wealthy families built villas in the eclectic styles of the period, attracted by cooler air and wide views. The village also became closely associated with Alessandro Volta, the Como-born pioneer of electricity commemorated by the lighthouse above San Maurizio.

Where Brunate sits on the lake

Brunate rises about 700 metres above sea level on the wooded ridge immediately east of Como. It overlooks the southern end of Lake Como, with paths continuing toward San Maurizio, Monte Boletto and the high ground of the Triangolo Lariano.

Como–Brunate funicular descending toward Como — A Como–Brunate funicular car descending toward the city. Photo: Emanu37429 / Wikimedia Commons – CC0.

The best things to see in Brunate

1. The Como–Brunate funicular

The steep railway is part of the experience, climbing from the Como lakefront to Brunate in about seven minutes. At the top, viewpoints open toward the city, the lake and, on clear days, distant Alpine peaks.

2. The village and its villas

Around the station, quiet streets reveal Art Nouveau and eclectic villas from Brunate’s years as a fashionable resort. Piazza Bonacossa, the parish church and the lanes above the funicular are worth a slow circuit.

3. The Volta Lighthouse

A walk of roughly half an hour leads to the Faro Voltiano at San Maurizio. Built in 1927, the octagonal lighthouse honours Alessandro Volta and offers one of the area’s widest viewpoints when open.

Planning your visit

Getting there. The funicular leaves from Como beside the lakefront and is the simplest route. Begin with our Como guide and check current operating information locally.

Best for. Panoramic views, a short car-free excursion from Como and travellers who enjoy gentle hill walking.

When to go. Clear spring and autumn days give the sharpest views; early morning is usually quieter than the middle of the day.

Nearby. Return to Como for the cathedral and waterfront, or continue on marked paths into the Triangolo Lariano.

Brunate is more than a photograph from the funicular terrace. Give it a few hours and the busy city below begins to feel surprisingly far away.