Swiss Customs Museum

The Swiss Customs Museum is one of Lugano’s most unusual cultural stops, set on the quiet lakeshore of Gandria and reachable by boat or footpath. Once a real border guard station, it now reveals how Switzerland protected its frontiers, trade routes and natural heritage. Its intimate scale makes every room feel like a preserved moment from daily life along the border. Inside, the most engaging section is the smuggling gallery, where confiscated objects—false‑bottom suitcases, hollowed shoes, disguised containers—show the creativity of smugglers who once crossed the steep trails between Ticino and Italy. The customs officers’ room displays uniforms, logbooks and communication tools that illustrate the demanding work of patrolling remote mountain paths. A highlight is the environmental protection exhibit, which explains how customs agents also safeguard endangered species and cultural goods. Here you’ll find seized ivory, protected animal skins and educational displays about modern conservation efforts. The historic weapons and equipment corner offers insight into the practical challenges of border duty before modern technology.