Brunate sits high above Lake Como and offers a quiet escape from the crowds. Follow this usable plan to reach the village, see its highlights and enjoy a stay at Villino Rubini.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Reach Como and Transfer to Brunate
- Step 2: Ride the Brunate Funicular
- Step 3: Walk the Main Square and Historic Sites
- Step 4: Hike Local Trails and Enjoy the Beech Forest
- Step 5: Stay at Villino Rubini for a Private Retreat
Step 1: Reach Como and Transfer to Brunate
The first move is to get to the city of Como, the rail hub for northern Italy. Trains from Milan, Zurich or Geneva arrive at Como San Giovanni in about an hour. From the station, a short bus ride or a taxi brings you to the historic centre near the lakefront.
Once in Como, you can catch the private shuttle that Villino Rubini offers for guests. The shuttle runs every half hour during the high season and drops you at the funicular base. It is a convenient way to avoid the narrow streets and parking limits. Relais | Villino Rubini | Brunate provides the schedule on its website.
For those who prefer public transport, a local bus connects Como’s central station with the funicular stop. Tickets cost a few euros and can be purchased on board. The service runs from early morning until late evening, matching the funicular operating hours.
Travelers should keep an eye on the timetable, especially on Sundays when service may be reduced. By planning ahead you avoid long waits and make the most of your day.
Step 2: Ride the Brunate Funicular
The funicular is the classic way to climb the 700 metre ascent from Como to Brunate. It was built at the end of the 19th century and still follows the original track that replaced a mule path. The ride lasts about seven minutes and offers a gentle glide up the hillside.
Operating hours run from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm daily, with a later service in summer that extends to midnight on Saturdays. The schedule notes the panoramic views that have earned Brunate the nickname “balcony over the Alps”.
Tickets are bought at the bottom station; a round-trip ticket costs a few euros. The cars are small, so a quick check for space is wise if you travel with large luggage.
For the most peaceful experience, ride early in the morning or later in the evening when fewer tourists are on board. The quiet cabin lets you enjoy the changing light over the surrounding mountains.
Step 3: Walk the Main Square and Historic Sites
At the top of the funicular you arrive in Brunate’s main square, Piazza Alcide De Gasperi. The square is framed by stone buildings and a modest church dedicated to Santa Rita. A short stroll takes you past the Volta monument, a tribute to Alessandro Volta, the famous physicist born in Como.
The square also hosts a small market on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where locals sell fresh produce and handmade goods. It is a good place to grab a quick snack before you explore further.
From the square, a narrow lane leads to the historic Villa Olmo and a historic building. The walk takes about ten minutes and offers glimpses of Art Nouveau details that echo the style of Villino Rubini.
For a visual sense of the area, watch this short video that shows the main square and the nearby viewpoints.
When you are ready to leave the square, follow the signs to the lighthouse of Faro Voltiano. The climb takes about 15 minutes and rewards you with sweeping vistas of the surrounding hills.
For more details on the rooms and the historic décor, see the CAMERE - Villino Rubini page.
Step 4: Hike Local Trails and Enjoy the Beech Forest
The hills around Brunate are criss-crossed by well-marked paths that suit walkers of all levels. One popular route starts just beyond the funicular station and follows a gentle ascent through a beech forest that covers four acres of the estate grounds.
The trail leads to a viewpoint known as “Il Belvedere”, where you can pause and listen to birdsong. On clear days the sight extends to the Alps, Monte Rosa and even the skyline of Milan in the distance.
For a longer hike, continue past the Belvedere to the Via dei Monti Lariani, a historic ridge trail that links several lakeside villages. The full hike to the nearby village of Tremezzo takes about three hours round-trip and offers plenty of photo opportunities.
Remember to wear sturdy shoes and bring water. The forest can be cool even in summer, so a light jacket is advisable.
Key Takeaway: The network of trails lets you combine gentle walks with more demanding ridge hikes, all within a short drive from Como.
Step 5: Stay at Villino Rubini for a Private Retreat
After a day of exploring, retreat to Villino Rubini, an Art Nouveau estate built in 1892. The house offers ten rooms spread across three historic buildings, eleven bathrooms and space for up to nineteen guests. A heated pool, spa, sauna, gym and a studio sit within the private parkland.
The estate welcomes both individual room bookings with a continental breakfast and exclusive hire of the whole property for weddings, celebrations or corporate events. The gardens can host up to one hundred guests for an outdoor dinner under a tent, providing a refined setting for special occasions.
Because the villa does not operate as a hotel, the atmosphere feels more like a family-run home than a commercial lodging. Guests appreciate the daily housekeeping, the quiet of the hilltop location and the personal touch of the hosts.
Event planners often add extra services such as a photo-booth to enhance the guest experience. A local photo-booth provider offers premium rentals that fit well with the villa’s elegant outdoor settings.
To reserve a stay or inquire about a private hire, use the villa’s online booking portal. Prenotazione | Villino Rubini guides you through the availability calendar and lets you request a tailored itinerary.
FAQ
How do I get from Milan to Brunate?
You can take a train from Milan Centrale to Como San Giovanni, which takes about one hour, then follow the steps outlined above to reach Brunate by bus or the private shuttle.
When does the Brunate funicular operate?
The funicular runs daily from 6:00 am to 10:30 pm, with extended hours until midnight on Saturdays during the summer period.
Is Villino Rubini suitable for a wedding?
Yes, the estate can host up to one hundred guests for an outdoor dinner under a tent and offers exclusive hire of the whole property for ceremonies and receptions.
What hiking options are available near Brunate?
There are several marked paths, including a gentle forest walk that leads to the Belvedere viewpoint and the longer Via dei Monti Lariani ridge trail that connects to nearby villages.
Can I bring my bike to Villino Rubini?
Absolutely. The estate’s private parking and nearby road network make it easy to store a bike, and the surrounding hills provide excellent routes for road and mountain biking.
Exploring Brunate is a blend of easy transport, historic charm and natural beauty. Start with the funicular, wander the square, hike the trails and end the day at Villino Rubini for a calm, elegant retreat. For more ideas on planning a stay in the Como region, check the local tourism board’s website.
Occasional stories from the estate, sent a few times a year at most.