Bellavista-Vetta Monte Generoso

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 comfortable and wide path quickly enters the forest: the first section is quite steep and steady, then stabilizes. The gradients are, however, moderate along the entire route (about 400 metres of difference in altitude). You will happen to cross the railway at several points, so pay attention before crossing the tracks!
After about 30 minutes of walking you will find yourself leaving the forest; you will continue without any difficulty on wide grassy slopes.
You will then reach the arrival station of Monte Generoso, situated immediately above a small group of rural houses. Here you will find the "Fiore di pietra": the symbol of Monte Generoso, which bears the signature of the Ticino architect Mario Botta. Inside you will find an elegant restaurant, a self-service restaurant and very well served public bathrooms. Outside there is a picnic area and a playground for children.
With a last effort, from here the panoramic peak (at an altitude of 1'704 metres), can be easily reached in about 10-15 minutes on foot (with a difference in height of about 100 meters).
Along the entire route, twelve information boards invite the hiker to stop for a moment to observe some natural features of the mountain. Drawings and texts in four languages explain the marine origin of Monte Generoso, the geological vicissitudes suffered, the influence of the glaciations and the naturalistic peculiarities of the environment crossed.