Switzerland Guide
Ticino
Monte Generoso
From alongside Capolago train station (274m) at the head of the Lago de Lugano (also accessible by boat from Lugano), Ticino's only rack railway climbs on a slow, scenic route up to the summit of Monte Generoso (1704m; 
www.montegeneroso.ch ). For the views alone, this trip is worth taking: from the steep summit – a short climb above the Vetta (top) station – you can see out across virtually the whole of northern Italy, in an amazing panorama. Milan and Turin are both visible; Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are both in plain sight, as is the distinctive pyramidal Matterhorn; and you can even see as far as the mountain pass in the Apennines above Genoa. The restaurant by the top station is the starting-point for an array of walks, including down to Mendrisio one way (2hr 40min) or Muggio another (2hr 15min); you can pick up maps and information at the ticket office in Capolago.