Monte Generoso
Monte Generoso
4.5
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
09:30 - 11:30
12:45 - 14:15
Sunday
09:30 - 11:30
12:45 - 14:15
About
Monte Generoso is situated in the heart of a nature park known beyond Switzerland’s borders. Standing majestically on the mountain’s rugged plateau is the new “Fiore di pietra“ (stone flower). The building was created by the famous architect Mario Botta and features picture windows that frame the breathtaking panorama. Two restaurants flooded with light and a conference room with magnificent mountain views provide the ideal setting for fine dining, unforgettable family celebrations and exceptional corporate events. The “Fiore di pietra” is designed so that a partition wall can section off a separate room for up to thirty guests. Since 1890, a rack railway has provided transport along a picturesque nine-kilometre stretch of mountain scenery carrying passengers from Capolago on Lake Lugano to the mountain summit at 1704 m altitude. Monte Generoso offers visitors plenty of opportunities for relaxing strolls, more demanding hikes and for delving into history.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
326 reviews
Excellent
200
Very good
97
Average
20
Poor
2
Terrible
7
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Gilles B
Locarno, Switzerland198 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
You leave the earth by a train waiting on the sidewalk. It finally arrives, with a metallic noise, because the center of the tracks has a long metal notch on which will hang the toothed wheel that will raise you from the altitude of 274 meters to that of 1701 meters. 45 minutes of cog train, two stops and an ultimately grandiose finish next to the Fiore di Pietra, an exceptional work by the Ticino architect Mario Botta. It is a stone construction carved and polished, forming granite towers coming together in a flower bud that opens into the Ticino sky. On site, self-service, restaurant, terrace and... spectacular views of the region, Switzerland, Italy, lakes, mountains.
Automatically translated
Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cher Gilles,
Merci pour cette magnifique description de votre expérience avec le train à crémaillère jusqu'au Fiore di pietra ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié ce voyage unique depuis les plaines jusqu'aux sommets impressionnants du Tessin. L'œuvre de Mario Botta est vraiment une destination exceptionnelle qui allie l'art de l'architecture à la beauté naturelle des montagnes.
Nous espérons que la vue spectaculaire et l'accueil de nos espaces de restauration ont ajouté une note agréable à votre aventure. Nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir de nouveau pour explorer davantage la splendeur de notre région.
Bien cordialement,
Written 16 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
querceto
Milan, Italy554 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Panoramic and particular is this peak "contested" between Italy and Switzerland, reachable in various ways both from one nation and another. We started from Mendrisio (Switzerland) arriving by car until the intermediate rack season, then on foot along a simple path that provides a walk of 1.30 '. The majestic structure of the Fiore di Pietra represents the final station of the rack railway but it is also a catering accommodation with a panoramic terrace. The modest height of Mount Generoso in case of no snow, allows (as it happened to us) to walk under the warm Winter sun
Automatically translated
Written 30 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gentilissimo querceto,
Grazie per aver trovato il tempo di condividere la Sua esperienza sul Monte Generoso. In effetti. è proprio come lo ha descritto, un luogo dove il percorso a piedi da o verso la cima è accessibile a tutti e abbracciati da un panorama mozzafiato ci si rimette in pace con il mondo. Speriamo di riaverla anche in altre stagioni e non dimentichi di provare i vari menù dei nostri vari ristoranti dalla vetta al campeggio sulle rive del lago.
Cordiali saluti
Per il Team Monte Generoso
Viviana Carfì
Written 7 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fortunato
Milan, Italy29,821 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
The view, once you get to the top, is breathtaking! You can get there on foot, by train or by car (up to a certain point). Spectacular paths open up up there and you can eat or drink something in the famous 'Fiore di Pietra' or stop halfway at another refreshment point.
Written 7 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caro Fortunato,
Grazie mille nuovamente per le tue bellissime parole. Siamo felici che la vista dalla cima ti abbia colpito così profondamente.
Ci auguriamo di accoglierti di nuovo presto per ulteriori esplorazioni o momenti di relax al Fiore di pietra.
Cordiali saluti.
Written 21 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan M
Atlanta, GA388 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
We drove to Bella Vista, parked and then did the hour hike to the mountain. Beautiful hike with incredible overlooks. Trail is very well marked and shaded for about half the trek.
Parking at Bella Vista is 2.50, but be advised it is metered and only takes coins. We used euro but I believe Swiss francs are also accepted.
The center at the summit is incredible architecture and great facilities to recharge.
Also know that driving to Bella Vista is slightly challenging. Much of the road is one lane so a lot of backing up to very small turnoffs for the other car to pass.
Parking at Bella Vista is 2.50, but be advised it is metered and only takes coins. We used euro but I believe Swiss francs are also accepted.
The center at the summit is incredible architecture and great facilities to recharge.
Also know that driving to Bella Vista is slightly challenging. Much of the road is one lane so a lot of backing up to very small turnoffs for the other car to pass.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your visit to the Monte Generoso and the description of of your hike from Bellavista to the top.
Next time, if you don't want to ride up the road, we suggest taking our rack railway from Capolago to Bellavista. This will add a panoramic journey to your hiking experience.
See you next year, Arrivederci
Written 18 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
liyddc
London, UK426 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
Stayed in Lake Como but got 2 very easy buses (C10 and C20) to our starting point in San Fidele in Telvi.
The whole walk was just superb. It rained quite hard at the start but this proved to be a blessing as it heated up during the day.
The ascent took us 3 hours 15. It took very different terrain through the forest, into the village of Orimento then up on the mountain.
The views really were spectacular so it's a clear day I could reccomend enough.
It's a lovely climb and not overly challenging. We got very lost of the way down attempting different routes which is all part of the fun so took us 4 hours! Would leave plenty of time for your bus back.
I'd also suggest leaving early so you kiss the crowds and the worst of the heat. We started our ascent from the village just after 8 and wouldn't have done a thing differently.
The whole walk was just superb. It rained quite hard at the start but this proved to be a blessing as it heated up during the day.
The ascent took us 3 hours 15. It took very different terrain through the forest, into the village of Orimento then up on the mountain.
The views really were spectacular so it's a clear day I could reccomend enough.
It's a lovely climb and not overly challenging. We got very lost of the way down attempting different routes which is all part of the fun so took us 4 hours! Would leave plenty of time for your bus back.
I'd also suggest leaving early so you kiss the crowds and the worst of the heat. We started our ascent from the village just after 8 and wouldn't have done a thing differently.
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Liydcc, thank you for your review. Yes, hiking in the morning is more pleasant above all in the summer but according to the weather there are also shorter paths to choose from. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Written 26 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gary T
Suffolk, UK546 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
The Journey to the Summit, the Resurant at the top, The views from your table were all amazing.
Came here one evening for a special meal and was blown away by everything.
Well worth a visit and book in advance as it;s well attended.
Staff were great.
Came here one evening for a special meal and was blown away by everything.
Well worth a visit and book in advance as it;s well attended.
Staff were great.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buongiorno,
thank you very much for your visit and for your kind review with 5 stars!
We will be happy to share your feedback with the whole Monte Generoso team!
Looking forward to seeing you again we send our best regards,
Team Monte Generoso
Written 13 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dapers
Boston, MA43 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
I took the Train up to Bellavista and hiked to the top. Took about an hour to hike. Spectacular views. I hiked down to Scudellate which was also very scenic. A great place to spend a day outdoors from Lugano.
Written 16 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusanTravels2017
Lugano, Switzerland19 contributions
Jul 2017
My family of four loves Monte Generoso. It offers something for everyone. We spent an entire day exploring, relaxing and just taking in the view. It's fantastic.
Monte Generoso may be reached by hiking or by cog rail. It's possible to drive to the last stop of the cog rail and then hike from there. We rode the cog rail up and back. The ride takes about 40 minutes.
The train stops just in front of the main building. It's a new and modern building with everything you need inside. There are toilets on the 2nd floor, elevators for those not able to take the stairs, a very nice, white table clothed restaurant and also a cafeteria-style, more casual restaurant. There are also brochures in multiple languages, a little gift shop and a very nice outdoor eating area. There are strategically placed benches to enjoy the 360 degree view of the mountains.
Having 2 kids ages 9 and 7 years, we opted for the casual style lunch place. Food is not cheap in Switzerland, and this place is no exception. Lunch for 4 (2 adults and 2 kids) people including dessert and 2 espressos was 70 chf. The food was great. The eating area is very clean and has windows overlooking the view.
The bathrooms. Ok, most people don't mention the bathrooms, but you've got to check out the hand dryers in these. They will "blow you away." :) You'll see what I mean. My kids still talk about them. The bathrooms were very clean, nice and modern.
There is also a small playground, which is perfectly placed just outside the outdoor eating area. Adults can enjoy a drink while the kids play in an enclosed area. Perfect. From there, you can hike up to the summit, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
We also hiked to the Bear Cave, which was awesome. Make sure to buy tickets in advance (at the little gift shop area in the main building), so they know you are coming. The guide waits at the cave and is usually there from 10:30 until 16:00. But, it's good to check just in case. You are not allowed inside the cave without a guide as it is a current dig site for fossils. It's a 50,000 year old active, excavation site. My kids loved it! The entire tour took about 30 minutes and cost 20 chf. The guide was very knowledgeable and spoke English as well as Italian. The hike took 30 minutes. To start, follow the signs along the Pathway of the Planets and then you'll see where the bear cave sign directs you to take a sharp left and on down and round the mountain. The cave is located among some trees, so you can't see it until you are right on it. The path in some spots is about 30cm wide, unpaved and uneven. My kids were able to hike it easily.
Also, the building itself has a rooftop viewing area that is not to be missed. There are some other hikes and etc. you can explore. And we even got to see some sheep shearing at the nearby barn. :)
There is parking near main train stop (CapoLago-Riva San Vitale) where the cog rail departs and arrives. For the summer months, the train heads up the mountain on :50 after the hour and returns on the :35 after the hour. But, make sure to check the timetable on their website (montegeneroso.ch). The tickets were 54 chf round trip for each adult. My kids had the Swiss Junior Travel Pass, so they went for free. Also, with the family fare ticket (2 parents, 2 kids), kids go for free. I also have the half-fare Swiss pass, so my ticket was half price.
We had a fantastic day and were pleasantly tired by the time we got home. I highly recommend this place for families looking for fun, outdoor exploration.
Monte Generoso may be reached by hiking or by cog rail. It's possible to drive to the last stop of the cog rail and then hike from there. We rode the cog rail up and back. The ride takes about 40 minutes.
The train stops just in front of the main building. It's a new and modern building with everything you need inside. There are toilets on the 2nd floor, elevators for those not able to take the stairs, a very nice, white table clothed restaurant and also a cafeteria-style, more casual restaurant. There are also brochures in multiple languages, a little gift shop and a very nice outdoor eating area. There are strategically placed benches to enjoy the 360 degree view of the mountains.
Having 2 kids ages 9 and 7 years, we opted for the casual style lunch place. Food is not cheap in Switzerland, and this place is no exception. Lunch for 4 (2 adults and 2 kids) people including dessert and 2 espressos was 70 chf. The food was great. The eating area is very clean and has windows overlooking the view.
The bathrooms. Ok, most people don't mention the bathrooms, but you've got to check out the hand dryers in these. They will "blow you away." :) You'll see what I mean. My kids still talk about them. The bathrooms were very clean, nice and modern.
There is also a small playground, which is perfectly placed just outside the outdoor eating area. Adults can enjoy a drink while the kids play in an enclosed area. Perfect. From there, you can hike up to the summit, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
We also hiked to the Bear Cave, which was awesome. Make sure to buy tickets in advance (at the little gift shop area in the main building), so they know you are coming. The guide waits at the cave and is usually there from 10:30 until 16:00. But, it's good to check just in case. You are not allowed inside the cave without a guide as it is a current dig site for fossils. It's a 50,000 year old active, excavation site. My kids loved it! The entire tour took about 30 minutes and cost 20 chf. The guide was very knowledgeable and spoke English as well as Italian. The hike took 30 minutes. To start, follow the signs along the Pathway of the Planets and then you'll see where the bear cave sign directs you to take a sharp left and on down and round the mountain. The cave is located among some trees, so you can't see it until you are right on it. The path in some spots is about 30cm wide, unpaved and uneven. My kids were able to hike it easily.
Also, the building itself has a rooftop viewing area that is not to be missed. There are some other hikes and etc. you can explore. And we even got to see some sheep shearing at the nearby barn. :)
There is parking near main train stop (CapoLago-Riva San Vitale) where the cog rail departs and arrives. For the summer months, the train heads up the mountain on :50 after the hour and returns on the :35 after the hour. But, make sure to check the timetable on their website (montegeneroso.ch). The tickets were 54 chf round trip for each adult. My kids had the Swiss Junior Travel Pass, so they went for free. Also, with the family fare ticket (2 parents, 2 kids), kids go for free. I also have the half-fare Swiss pass, so my ticket was half price.
We had a fantastic day and were pleasantly tired by the time we got home. I highly recommend this place for families looking for fun, outdoor exploration.
Written 17 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
raymondsS891QA
Island of Malta, Malta86 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
About 2 thousand meters high mountain. You go up there with a train and the views when goin up are not to be forgotten. When you up there on the peak,you see nearly all of Lake Lugano and all the mountains. Great experience. Do not miss it.
Written 19 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MargaretMDM
West Midlands180 contributions
On a clear day a trip on the cog-wheel raiway to the summit of Monte Generoso (1704m) is a worthwhile experience. Unfortunately the day we went up recently it seemed clear at lake-level, in Lugano, but at the summit it was rather hazy so we weren't able to see very far. On a clear day you are apparently able to see lakes Lugano, Maggiore, Como and Varese (we could see the first two) and the Alpine chain from Gran Paradiso to Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn to the Jungfrau, which unfortunately we could not see!
The trip is worth going for the views from the train alone, (it takes around 40 mins.) To get there, take a train from Lugano to Capolago, about 10-15 minutes along the lake, and then change there for the summit. You can purchase an all-in-one ticket at Lugano. There is a restaurant at the top, although we didn't use it, and the views and walks, weather permitting, make for a lovely day out - a nice bit of variety in our holiday on Lake Como. For the children (the paths are easy at the top), there are several inquisitive mountain goats near to the terminal station which posed obligingly for our photographs!
The trip is worth going for the views from the train alone, (it takes around 40 mins.) To get there, take a train from Lugano to Capolago, about 10-15 minutes along the lake, and then change there for the summit. You can purchase an all-in-one ticket at Lugano. There is a restaurant at the top, although we didn't use it, and the views and walks, weather permitting, make for a lovely day out - a nice bit of variety in our holiday on Lake Como. For the children (the paths are easy at the top), there are several inquisitive mountain goats near to the terminal station which posed obligingly for our photographs!
Written 22 September 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Con il biglietto per 1 fermata si può arrivare direttamente in cima? Oppure è necessario fare quello per 3 fermate? Grazie.
Written 6 August 2024
Con il biglietto per 1 fermata si può arrivare direttamente in cima? Oppure è necessario fare quello per 3 fermate? Grazie.
Written 6 August 2024
per arrivare a Capolago dall'Italia è necessario avere il bollino blu x autostrada o si arriva anche con strada normale?
grazie
Written 11 September 2023
Se vuoi puoi arrivare anche con la strada normale, percorrendo la Cantonale Svizzera, che sarebbe come le nostre strade statali
Written 25 February 2025
Un visitatore ha scritto: "arrivare con la macchina fino a parcheggi e poi proseguire a piedi fino ai crotti o bar per un caffé o comperare formaggini freschi del luogo".
Qualcuno può fornire qualche indicazione più specifica?
Mille grazie!
Written 31 July 2019
Puoi provare a chiedere ai crotti in cima. Però in cima non si arriva con l'automobile
Written 31 July 2019
Sul sito ufficiale le tariffe sono divise in relazione a tre distinte tratte. Vorrei partire da Riva San Vitale per giungere in vetta e non riesco a capire a quale tratta dovrei fare riferimento per capire la tariffa correlata. Qualcuno i può aiutare?Grazie! .
Written 16 July 2019
Vorrei andare a Capolago in auto e cerco consigli sui parcheggi e i costi Grazie .
Written 18 April 2019
a ridosso della stazione di capolago riva san vitale c è un parcheggio costo 6 franchi intera giornata accetta solo monete ma se devi cambiare gli euro vai all edicola devi comporre il numero del posto parcheggio ma non fare come me che ho pagato xil n.38 e mi ha fregato i soldi perchè i primi 3(38-37-36)sono riservati
in alternativa a destra della sopra elevata ci sono altri 2 parcheggi quello con la sbarra costa 8 fr e si puo pagare in euro ,ma non so se da il resto
Written 25 June 2019
non ho capito dove si trova sto capolago: è un punto facilmente raggiungibile a Lugano o ci vuole la macchina?
Written 16 April 2019
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