Monte Generoso
Monte Generoso is the main panoramic peak of Canton Ticino and one of the most fascinating ones in Switzerland. The enchanting view at 1704 asl stretches all the way from the Apennines to the Alps, allowing you to admire a bird’s eye view of the north of Italy with its lake district and the Gran Paradiso Alpine chain reaching from Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn to the Jungfrau and the Gotthard Massif. Information boards help you to identify valleys, lakes, villages, and peaks. The sunsets and dawns, when the sun transforms the sky and the ground into a sea of colors, create an emotionally charged spectacle.
For 130 years the rack railway has been running from Capolago on Lake Lugano over a distance of 9 km through the enchanting mountain landscape of the nature reserve to the summit of Monte Generoso. The oldest steam railway operated in Switzerland, dating from 1890, and the railways from 1950 bring back to life the era of the Belle Époque.
Fiore di pietra (Stone Flower) by Mario Botta
The new “Fiore di Pietra” tourist establishment is a unique work of architecture by architect Mario Botta. The gastronomy concept and interior design for the cozy “Generoso” self-service restaurant with a terrace, the “Fiore di Pietra” restaurant, and the “Belvedere” conference room make the “Fiore di Pietra” a unique place.
There are many hiking trails that allow you to reach the summit starting from Rovio, Mendrisio, Castel San Pietro, but also by the Muggio Valley. Going up one of these paths in the direction of the summit, it is advisable to stay in places that offer beautiful scenic spots such as the Hermitage of St. Nicholas, the Bellavista, the Dossi, or Scudellate.
Many popular activities can be practiced on Monte Generoso, such as mountain biking, paragliding, snowshoeing, but also birdwatching. At the top you can visit (by appointment) the observatory and the Cave Bear, walk the path of the planets or the path of Nevère. You can also arrange guided tours in the area to enjoy nature and the traces left by the man who lived in the mountains. On Monte Generoso there are still some active farmers selling fresh products.
