Hiking

From the Apennine Mountains to the Alps - the panoramic view from Monte Generoso is one of the most spectacular in Switzerland. "Fiore di pietra" designed by architect Mario Botta is another highlight. Distinctive features of this area are the nevère, cylindrical stone structures once used to store milk.

The itinerary starts at the Bellavista middle station at 1200 meters above sea level, easily reachable by the Monte Generoso cogwheel train departing from Capolago, or by car (there is ample space available at the Bellavista parking lot, which is about 10 minutes' walk from the middle station). From here you can immediately enjoy one of the most scenic viewpoints, with breath-taking views of the Gulf of Lugano and the Alpine chain: from Monte Rosa to the Matterhorn, from the Jungfrau to the Gotthard massif.

The circular hike leads from the summit station to Monte Generoso summit, Alp Nadigh and Alp Génor.  Farmers lived in old "rustici" huts here in summer. A unique feature of Monte Generoso is the presence of nevère, 11 of which can be seen on the circular hike.

This excursion starts in Rovio, a charming centuries-old village in Val Mara. Worth seeing in Rovio is the Romanesque church of San Vigilio (12th century) and the fantastic panoramic view of Lake Lugano.

The first Alpine trail in the Sottoceneri area. The Variante Monte Generoso, also known as the Gianola Trail, has been restored to its former glory. Make the most of it to explore the spectacular scenery, taking in the evocative towers of stratified rock that emerge from the western slopes of the mountain. If you're an expert hiker, this is a great way to climb up to the "Fiore di Pietra" and the peak of Monte Generoso.

Discover the Muggio Valley, Switzerland's southernmost vale, while walking past chestnut woods, graa (two-storey buildings used for storing chestnuts), water mills, bird snares and nevère, the so-called "refrigerators of yesteryear". Our proposed route encompasses the landscape, real life and unchanged traditions of the valley: an outdoor museum, immersed in nature, waiting to be discovered.