Monte Generoso railway

The summit (1,701 m or 5,581 ft) offers extensive views over the Lombardy Plain, part of the Po Valley, and towards the Alps.

[1][2][3] Whilst the railway lies entirely within Switzerland, the summit station is only a few metres from the international border with the Italian region of Lombardy.

In 1886, a concession was granted to the Monte Generoso SA for the construction of a narrow gauge and cog railway to the summit.

The following year, the Tramway Bellavista was opened to link the railway to Doctor Pasta's hotel.

The station is located a short walk from the mountain summit, and has a buffet, restaurant and rooftop viewing gallery.

Only one train a day runs through to Capolago Lago, in order to connect with a boat service from Lugano.

One of the Bhm 1/2 diesel railcars is preserved in the Museo Europeo dei Trasporti Ogliari in Ranco on the Italian shore of Lake Maggiore.

The track descending from the summit, with the Lombardy Plain in the background.
Bellavista station and restaurant, with passing trains.
Trains waiting to depart from the Capolago-Riva San Vitale station.
Capolago: the terminus of Monte Generoso railway near Capolago Lago landing on the shore of Lake Lugano. The mainline railway is behind the hedge to the right.
Diesel railcars at the summit prior to electrification: Bhm 1/2 (left), Bhm 2/4 (right).
Share of the Societa della Ferrovia del Monto Generosa, issued 1. January 1890