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Intro

The Monte Generoso is more than a mere mountain railway destination. The descent to the Valle di Muggio has surprises in store - such as the Nevère (old refrigerator buildings) or the impressive gorge down in Mendrisiotto.

Description

The final stage of the Sentiero Lago di Lugano begins at Capolago station. The cog railway takes you up to Bellavista. If you want to save your legs 400 metres of elevation, you can stay on until Monte Generoso. This route begins on a path criss-crossed by roots, which leads up to the Generoso peak. There are stunning views of the shimmering blue Lake Lugano, along with beautiful flowering plants.

If you already want to take a break at the restaurant on Monte Generoso, it’s best to first climb the final 100 metres of elevation to the summit and then come back down. The circular trail offers a panoramic view that is second to none: it extends from the lakes to the Matterhorn to the summit of the Jungfrau and back to the Fiore di Pietra (stone flower) building. This was designed by leading architect Mario Botta, just a few metres away from the steep slope of Monte Generoso.

Your descent then begins at the Italian border. Passing by old “rustici” stone houses and through meadows, you reach Roncapiano after around one hour and continue through the forest to the village of Muggio. This is the halfway point. After Cabbio, you arrive at the old Mulino di Bruzella mill. It lies at the bottom of a valley formed by the Breggia river. The mill was renovated and brought back into operation in 1996. You continue through the villages of Bruzella, Caneggio and Morbio Superiore. The next descent ends in the Breggia Gorge at the ruins of the Mulin da Canaa mill. An idyllic rest area is a good place to take a break.

A pleasant climb leads to the ruins of Castel S. Pietro and back to civilisation. Passing by the vineyards of Mendrisio, the long, final stage of the Sentiero Lago di Lugano ends a little further on at Mendrisio station.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Riva S. Vitale (M. Generoso)
Destination
Mendrisio
Direction
One way
Ascent
560 m
Descent
1850 m
Distance
20 km
Duration
6 h 10 min
Duration back
7 h 30 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

Sentiero Lago di Lugano

Lugano (Magliaso) - Mendrisio
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 9/9

Distance

20 km

Duration

6 h 10 min

Ascent

560 m

Travel information: Riva San Vitale

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