Monte Generoso is stunning mountain viewpoint south of Lugano on the Italian border. You can easily reach the top by riding a vintage cogwheel train.

At the top, you'll find a big panorama terrace where you peer over the cliffs down to Lake Lugano and admire hundreds of mountains in every direction. Here you'll also find a restaurant, small playground and picnic area.

For an even better view, you can do a short, steep walk up to the peak viewpoint. It's a well prepared and secured path with stairs. It's about a 1km loop back to the train.

Hiking options

If you want to hike, they have many trail options described on their website. We did a 3 hour loop starting along the ridge, then dipping into the forest and loop back through alpine meadows.

Trail: moderate • 3h • 7.9 km • 380m up and down
See trail map • Learn more on SwissFamilyFun.com

Logistics

Location: Generoso mountain train - Via Famiglia Carlo Scacchi 6, 6825 Capolago

Summer season: early June thru end of October

Price 2024: train round trip CHF 72/adult. Discount with Swiss Travel Pass, Ticino Ticket, SBB GA and Half Fare cards.

Website: https://www.montegeneroso.ch/en