At the center of a real natural paradise along the border between Italy and Switzerland , Monte Generoso stands out in all its majesty .
For about a century, the rack railway has made it possible to reach the summit at an altitude of 1704 m , starting from Capolago, on Lake Lugano . The route is about 9 km long and passes through a magnificent mountain scenery . From the top you can enjoy a breathtaking view , which embraces the Gran Paradiso chain and the lakes region from above.
This alpine oasis has multiple attractions: it is a perfect destination for those who love regenerating walks in contact with nature, for those with historical interests and for those who want to practice sports (climbing, paragliding, mountain biking)
51 km of trails allow you to explore both sides of Monte Generoso, the Swiss and the Italian one.
The nature
The beauty of the mountain landscape is combined with the wealth of botanical treasures . In fact, thanks to the calcareous soil, the flora of Monte Generoso is particularly luxuriant.
There are about 800 plant species , some of which are very rare.
Flowers are the main attraction for visitors. These, in fact, are larger and more vividly colored than those that grow in the plains, due to the high intensity of solar radiation.
As for the fauna , however, the presence of a colony of chamois that does not fear man and can be observed at close range is singular.
This area is also of considerable geological interest . Monte Generoso is, in fact, a karst massif mainly composed of flint limestone from the lower Jurassic. The area is rich in caves and karst phenomena, both superficial and deep.
Bubbles, charcoal pits and snow
Pastoralism and mountain agriculture were, until a few decades ago, the main activities of this place. To continue to carry them out, the mountaineers had to fight against aridity and water scarcity. For this reason, rainwater collection ponds have been built, isolating the bottom of the area with leaves and ashes from chimneys or outbreaks. These are the so-called “ bubbles “, some of which can be visited right on Monte Generoso. There are also some charcoal burners (open spaces where wood charcoal was produced) and some nevere (cylindrical stone constructions, filled with snow by the farmers during the winter, to be able to store the milk during the summer).
Are you planning a stay in the mountains and are you looking for an accommodation that allows you to reach Monte Generoso?
The Campsite ai Colli Fioriti , in the very green Val D’Intelvi, is the solution. The strategic location of the campsite also gives access to many other excursions , from the more challenging trekking to the peaceful walks nearby.