Monte Generoso
Lugano, Switzerland • USD 60 - USD 80 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jul, Aug
15°C – 23°C, warm and generally sunny, with occasional thunderstorms, high crowds, peak season
15°C – 23°C, warm and generally sunny, with occasional thunderstorms, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Cog train, station, and summit building are wheelchair accessible.
Cog train, station, and summit building are wheelchair accessible.
Value for money
Medium
Pricey but the views and experience are memorable.
Pricey but the views and experience are memorable.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Stunning Views
Couples raved about the romantic views from the top. Perfect for photos and memories.
Romantic Getaway
Visitors felt the train ride and summit were a perfect day out for a couple.
Breathtaking Journey
The train ride up was spectacular, and the Fiore di Pietra was incredible.
Crowded Weekends
Couples noted it's best to go during the week to avoid crowds. Peak season is busy.
Weather Dependent
Visitors felt the weather could ruin the experience. Check the forecast before going.
Overpriced Tickets
Some couples felt the ticket prices were a bit high. Consider the cost.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
09:30 AM - 02:15 PM
Tuesday
09:30 AM - 02:15 PM
Wednesday
09:30 AM - 02:15 PM
Thursday
09:30 AM - 02:15 PM
Friday
09:30 AM - 02:15 PM
Saturday
09:30 AM - 02:15 PM
Sunday
09:30 AM - 02:15 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Experience the magic of Monte Generoso, an alpine treasure with incredible views and adventures.
Monte Generoso, an ideal retreat for relaxation and exploration in the heart of the Alps.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
-2-5°C
Cold with a high chance of rain or snow. Days are short and conditions can be harsh.
Cold with a high chance of rain or snow. Days are short and conditions can be harsh.
Open
From 7 December to 30 March, trains run only on weekends and public holidays. Facilities open only during these times.
From 7 December to 30 March, trains run only on weekends and public holidays. Facilities open only during these times.
Not recommended
Limited access due to winter schedule. Possible to visit by train only on weekends and holidays. Check schedules before planning a trip.
Limited access due to winter schedule. Possible to visit by train only on weekends and holidays. Check schedules before planning a trip.
January
LOW
-7-2°C
Cold winter conditions, frequent snow, and wind at higher altitudes. Visibility can be poor due to cloud cover. Risk of train suspensions in bad weather.
Cold winter conditions, frequent snow, and wind at higher altitudes. Visibility can be poor due to cloud cover. Risk of train suspensions in bad weather.
Open
Cog railway operates only on weekends, public holidays, and daily during holiday period (late December to early January). Some hiking trails may be inaccessible due to snow or avalanche risk. Restaurants have limited opening.
Cog railway operates only on weekends, public holidays, and daily during holiday period (late December to early January). Some hiking trails may be inaccessible due to snow or avalanche risk. Restaurants have limited opening.
Not recommended
Monte Generoso is accessible via cog railway only on select days. Winter conditions dominate, with snow and cold temperatures. Limited facilities and activities.
Monte Generoso is accessible via cog railway only on select days. Winter conditions dominate, with snow and cold temperatures. Limited facilities and activities.
February
LOW
-6-3°C
Cold, with occasional snowfall and icy conditions. Wind chill can make it feel colder.
Cold, with occasional snowfall and icy conditions. Wind chill can make it feel colder.
Open
Cog railway runs only on weekends and public holidays. Trails may be snow-covered or partially closed for safety.
Cog railway runs only on weekends and public holidays. Trails may be snow-covered or partially closed for safety.
Not recommended
Winter weather persists. Most tourist services are reduced, with limited train operations and restricted hiking accessibility due to snow.
Winter weather persists. Most tourist services are reduced, with limited train operations and restricted hiking accessibility due to snow.
March
LOW
-3-6°C
Transition from winter to early spring. Possible snow at higher elevations, though milder days increase towards late March.
Transition from winter to early spring. Possible snow at higher elevations, though milder days increase towards late March.
Open
Cog railway runs on weekends and public holidays until the end of March. Daily service resumes after March 31. Some hiking paths may be wet, icy, or muddy.
Cog railway runs on weekends and public holidays until the end of March. Daily service resumes after March 31. Some hiking paths may be wet, icy, or muddy.
Not recommended
Early March is winter-like; late March sees more accessibility as the cog railway prepares for daily spring service. Hiking may still be limited by snow or mud.
Early March is winter-like; late March sees more accessibility as the cog railway prepares for daily spring service. Hiking may still be limited by snow or mud.
How to get there
Cable Car
Recommended
The Monte Generoso Railway is a cogwheel train that ascends from Capolago-Riva S. Vitale station to Generoso Vetta.
Train
Recommended
Take the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) from Lugano to Capolago-Riva S. Vitale station, then transfer to the cogwheel railway.
Walking
Recommended
Hiking trails lead to the summit from various points, including the Bellavista middle station.
Boat
Travel to Capolago by boat across Lake Lugano; the pier is next to the Monte Generoso Railway station.
Bus
A local bus service operated by PostAuto Schweiz AG runs from Paradiso to Capolago, but it is infrequent.
Car
Drive to Capolago; parking is available at Via Segoma 6, 6825 Capolago.
Taxi
Taxis are available from Lugano and surrounding areas to Capolago-Riva S. Vitale station; then transfer to the cogwheel railway.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required