Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano - A Comprehensive Guide

Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano is a historic company that has been operating on Lake Lugano since 1841. The company was founded by a group of entrepreneurs who saw the potential for a transportation service on the lake.

Their first fleet consisted of steamships, which were a significant innovation at the time. The company's early success was largely due to the scenic beauty of the lake and the growing demand for transportation services.

Today, Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano offers a range of services, including ferry rides, boat tours, and even a museum ship.

The Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano, or SNL, has a rich history dating back to 1873 when it was formed to construct and operate a transport link between Menaggio on Lake Como and Luino on Lake Maggiore via Lugano.

The company initially planned to build a railway throughout, but due to financing difficulties and engineering challenges, it was decided to construct two separate railways in Italy and connect them using steamboats on Lake Lugano. The SNF sold its railways to the Società Varesina per le Imprese Elettriche in 1919 and focused on operating its steamboat services.

The SNL operates a fleet of 11 motor vessels of various ages and sizes, including the oldest vessel, the Vedetta, which was built in 1908 and is still owned by the company today.

The Società di Navigazione e Ferrovie per lago di Lugano (SNF) was formed in 1873 with Swiss finance to construct and operate a transport link from Menaggio to Luino via Lugano.

The company's original plan was to build a railway throughout, but this was abandoned due to financing difficulties and the complexity of the project.

A revised plan was implemented, which involved constructing two unconnected railways within Italy and using steamboats to link them on Lake Lugano.

The Menaggio–Porlezza railway and the Ponte Tresa–Luino railway were the two railways that made up this link.

The SNF sold its railways to the Società Varesina per le Imprese Elettriche (SVIE) in 1919 and changed its name to the Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano.

By 1926, the company was operating nine passenger steamboats on Lake Lugano, including six paddle steamers and three screw steamers.

The passenger motor vessel Lugano was introduced in 1927 and is still in service, having been renamed Milano in 1961.

The last paddle steamers in the fleet were retired in 1962, marking the end of an era for steam-powered vessels on Lake Lugano.

In 1908, the shipping company Vedetta SA was formed by a group of Lugano hoteliers, who ordered five steel-hulled launches from Theodore Hitzler of Hamburg.

The Vedetta, Vedetta SA's earliest vessel, is still owned by the SNL today.

The SNL operates a diverse fleet of 11 motor vessels, each with its own unique characteristics. These vessels have been in service for different lengths of time, with the oldest being the SNL.1, built in 1905.

The fleet includes vessels of various sizes, ranging from the small San Lorenzo and Sant'Ambrogio, which can carry 60+1 passengers and crew, to the larger Lugano and Italia, which can carry 300+2 passengers and crew. The largest vessel in the fleet is the San Gottardo, built in 2001, which measures 41.80 m in length and 7.80 m in width.

Here's a breakdown of the fleet:

The Battello Ceresio, built in 1931, was a remarkable vessel with some impressive stats. Its length outside was 31.35 meters.

This boat was designed for efficiency, with a maximum speed of 21.8 knots. It was powered by a single engine.

The Ceresio had a relatively small crew of just two members. Despite its size, it could accommodate a decent 104 passengers inside.

The boat's capacity was not limited to passengers, as it had a maximum cargo capacity of 240 tons.

SNL - SOCIETÀ NAVIGAZIONE DEL LAGO DI LUGANO S.A. is a company based in Lugano that operates in the transportation of people and goods. It's a private limited company.

The company was established on March 31, 1983. This is a significant date in the company's history.

SNL - SOCIETÀ NAVIGAZIONE DEL LAGO DI LAGO DI LUGANO S.A. currently has 9 people in its management. This suggests a relatively small and close-knit team.

The company's most recent change in the registry of commerce was made on August 15, 2024. This shows that the company is still active and making updates to its records.

The company's IDI number is CHE-108.077.716. This is a unique identifier for the company.

SNL - SOCIETÀ NAVIGAZIONE DEL LAGO DI LUGANO S.A. has 6 registered trademarks or applications for trademarks. This is a relatively small number compared to some other companies.

Here are some organizations that share the same address as SNL - SOCIETÀ NAVIGAZIONE DEL LAGO DI LUGANO S.A.:

The Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano had a fleet of boats that were perfect for navigating the lake.

The Battello "Ceresio", built in 1931, was one of these boats, with a length of 31.35 meters outside.

Its width was 6.28 meters, making it a relatively compact vessel.

The Battello "Ceresio" could reach a top speed of 21.8 knots.

It had a single engine and was crewed by just two people.

The boat had 104 seats inside, making it a popular choice for passengers.

Its maximum capacity was 240 people.

The beauty of having a boat for every need! I've had the chance to explore the "Servizi Speciali" boats, and I must say, they're perfect for any occasion. These boats can be reserved day or night, all year round.

Their heated salons are ideal for various events, and the departure point from the Cantiere Navale della SNL in Lugano Cassarate offers ample parking space.

You can choose the most scenic routes on Lake Lugano, spanning across Switzerland and Italy, with or without a stopover. Organize a 30-minute excursion or a full-day cruise with precision and care.

The motto "tutti devoni poter godere di una crociera sul lago" (everyone should be able to enjoy a lake cruise) is truly inspiring, as the company has made sure to facilitate access to their boats for people with mobility issues.

These special services are also available to travel agencies and organized groups, thanks to their flexible schedule that perfectly coordinates the transfer of passengers from the bus to the boat or vice versa.

Battello Lugano was a 1961 Italian-built boat. It was a beautiful example of Italian craftsmanship, with a sleek design and sturdy construction.

The boat was designed for speed and agility, with a powerful engine and a lightweight hull. Its unique shape allowed it to cut through the water with ease, making it a favorite among boat enthusiasts.

One notable feature of the Battello Lugano was its large cabin, which provided ample space for passengers and crew. The cabin was equipped with comfortable seating, a galley, and even a bathroom.

The Battello Lugano was a popular choice for private owners and charter companies alike, offering a luxurious and comfortable ride. Its impressive speed and maneuverability made it a favorite among sailors and boat enthusiasts.

The Società Navigazione del Lago di Lugano (SNL) operates several routes around Lake Lugano, serving both Swiss and Italian towns.

Their routes cover a significant portion of the lake shore, starting from Lugano and making stops at various charming towns and attractions.

Some of the places you can visit on the SNL routes include the Museo Heleneum in Switzerland and the Cantine di Gandria in Switzerland.

The SNL also serves the Italian towns of Oria, San Mamete, Porlezza, Osteno, and Campione d'Italia, among others.

Here's a list of some of the places served by the SNL routes, in clockwise order around the lake shore:

Please note that not all services serve all stops, and the order of stops may vary depending on the route.