At the time, the European elite sought prestigious places that offered tranquility and well-being; Brunate represented exactly this perfect combination. However, the town has adapted to modern times while maintaining its role as an oasis of peace and beauty. In recent years, new activities such as e-bike excursions and hiking trails have gained popularity. This phenomenon reflects a new concept of well-being that aligns with the pursuit of sustainable and dynamic tourism, far removed from the more sedentary and contemplative lifestyle of the bourgeois classes of the early 20th century.

But why was Brunate already considered a sought-after destination more than 100 years ago?

Climate and healthy air → Situated at a high elevation compared to Como, Brunate offered fresh and clean air, far from the pollution of industrial cities. This is where wealthy families sought refuge.

Today, this pursuit of well-being remains, but with a greater emphasis on outdoor sports. Hiking along the scenic trails around Brunate and the growing popularity of e-bikes provide experiences that combine physical activity with the beauty of nature. These new approaches allow visitors to enjoy the healthiness of Brunate’s air in a more active and immersive way.

Ease of access → The inauguration of the funicular in 1894 transformed Brunate into an easily accessible location. The funicular ride became a luxurious experience for the elite, who could quickly ascend from the city to the hill.

The funicular continues to be an important means of transport and has integrated with modern tourism needs. The use of e-bikes has become common, allowing for greater freedom of movement, enabling exploration of the area independently and sustainably, breaking down traditional barriers and making the territory accessible to everyone without excessive physical effort.

Scenic beauty → During the Belle Époque, wealthy families enjoyed long walks immersed in the beauty of the views over Lake Como and the Alps.

Today, hiking along the numerous trails surrounding Brunate offers routes suitable for all levels, from beginners to more experienced hikers. The experience of nature thus becomes more interactive, allowing visitors to explore hidden places and appreciate the environment in an active way.

Exclusivity and prestige → In the past, visiting Brunate was a matter of status. Today, while still an enchanting location, Brunate has opened up to a more inclusive and accessible tourism that values contact with nature and exploration of the territory.

The use of e-bikes, for example, allows anyone to explore the area with ease, while hiking paths provide a more accessible and democratic form of recreation, adapting to the needs of an increasingly broad and varied audience.

Culture and modernity → Brunate was not only a coveted place for the bourgeoisie; it was also a meeting place for intellectuals and artists. Today, cultural activities have expanded outside, with outdoor activities such as trekking and e-bike excursions that allow visitors to learn much more about the territory.

This creates an environment that, while different from the sophisticated one of the Belle Époque, maintains the same attention to well-being and quality of life.

This is how Brunate has managed to transform from a refuge for the elite during the Belle Époque to a modern, dynamic, and sustainable destination. 

The introduction of new modes of transport such as e-bikes and the activation of hiking routes offer today’s visitors new opportunities to explore the area actively and respectfully, keeping alive that same combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and culture that made Brunate such a special destination more than a century ago.