The Monte Generoso Railway, part of the Migros Cultural Percentage group, is a strong brand, a travel opportunity, and a destination for relaxation and nature, בעיקר for families but not only. Even high-end clientele can be satisfied by reaching the Ticino summit via the rack railway or on foot along beautiful mountain trails, if reasonably fit. Everyone can enjoy breathtaking views over Lake Lugano, the Po Valley as far as Milan, and the Alpine chain from Monte Rosa to the Grigna.
Strengths include proximity to Milan Malpensa International Airport and excellent Swiss railway connections to reach the Capolago station, from where the train departs approximately every 30 minutes.
A high-level gastronomic offering awaits at the iconic restaurant on the fourth floor of Il Fiore di Pietra (1704 m), a building designed by renowned Ticino architect Mario Botta and built where the historic 19th-century Bellavista hotel once stood. Terrace yoga and even a personalized journey on the antique Belle Époque steam train “Old Lady” from Capolago to the summit are just some ideas to create memorable experiences for international visitors as well.
“Those who wish to use the steam train instead of the traditional electric train must also rent the transport service operated by two steam engines. It is an unusual experience, and it is possible to reach the Church of Madonna della Provvidenza. We have organized weddings and recently hosted guests from Gulf countries who rented the entire restaurant”, says Carolina Russbach, Head of Marketing and Communication at FMG. “We will extend the season until November 9 in line with our deseasonalization plan. We are satisfied with the results, with CHF 4 million in revenue by the end of 2026 and forecasts confirming similar figures for 2027. The last winter season was the best since 2017, with nearly 2,800 visitors in December alone”.
During the April press conference held at Fiore di Pietra (which the press group reached in about half an hour using the convenient rack railway from Capolago), the Monte Generoso Railway team presented a new calendar aimed also at younger audiences. Among the proposals: brunches and barbecues at Buffet Bellavista, 90s-themed evenings with DJ Maxi B, romantic dinners at Fiore di Pietra, sunrise experiences at the summit, sustainable foraging activities with gastronomist and botanist Milo Bissegger, and the well-known Scenic Trail.
Excellent local dishes are served at the restaurant. The Deluxu.it editorial team tested (and recommends) alpine cheeses, büscion, polenta made with Ticino red corn (an ancient local variety), served with stew or delicate cured meats, vegetarian ravioli, assorted cakes, tiramisu, amaretti, and biscuits made with “farina bona” to finish beautifully.
A new family-friendly event is organized in collaboration with the Bear Cave: an ascent and guided visit to explore its geological and historical secrets. The cave is located about 30 minutes from Fiore di Pietra on the Italian side of the mountain. Around 60,000 years ago, it is estimated that about 800 bears lived here. The caves extend for 200 meters, 70 of which are accessible. Comfortable shoes and hiking clothing are recommended to follow “in the footsteps of the bears”. For lovers of outdoor music events, the techno/tech house group Salient from Sighignola will perform at Monte Generoso. Also expected is the satirical show by Sgaffy. More accessible offers are now available thanks to a new digital platform developed in collaboration with Mendrisiotto Turismo, a cantonal marketplace that allows the sale of combined packages (train + lunch, train + snack). Partnerships with Swissminiatur, FoxTown, and Galleria Baumgartner continue.
There is also a camping option. Camping Monte Generoso, overlooking the lake, is appreciated by an international clientele for its welcoming atmosphere and quality services. “We offer lakeside events open also to non-guests, including aperitifs and street food. Sustainability is central to FMG, and thanks to its daily commitment with local partners, a tree will be dedicated to it as part of the Pianspessa arboreal project,” explains Luca Cereghetti, president of the Pianspessa Foundation. The initiative restores a green architectural structure of cultural and landscape value, now disappeared in Switzerland.
A recommendation: reach Monte Generoso well equipped with warm clothing and a raincoat. The pleasant summit may reward you with unforgettable views—or, like a charming but capricious diva, suddenly hide itself in a vast white cloud where everything disappears. But even this is an experience to be lived, a divine wonder of the mountains. Deluxu.it Copyright