The first train journeys by steam locomotive to ascend the mountain were made in 1890. During the war years, its days as a tourist attraction seemed numbered, and the owner wanted to dismantle the railway and sell the tracks for iron.
However, the Migros founder Gottlieb Duttweiler was convinced that access to the extraordinary panorama was worth preserving. Without hesitation, he bought the railway in 1941. 75 years on, it is still supported by the Migros Cultural Percentage initiative.
Doctor Carlo Posta builds the first little hotel on Monte Generoso Bellavista.
Creation of the SA of Monte Generoso and first concession for the construction of a narrow gauge and cog railway.
Inauguration of Monte Generoso Railway.
Sale of the FMG SA to SA Italo-Swiss Monte Generoso.
Recovery of the SA by Messrs. Hermann and Casoni.
On the initiative of Charles Hochstrasser, Gottlieb Duttweiler buys the FMG.
Construction of the Hotel Restaurant Vetta.
Electrification of the railway.
Takes over Sergio Barenco.
Inauguration of the Astronomical Observatory. Godmother Margherita Hack.
Opening of the "bear cave”.
Purchase of the Bellavista and the old Hotel “Des Alpes”.
Takes over Marco Bronzini.
Demolition of the old Hotel-Restaurant Vetta Monte Generoso.
Takes over Francesco Pasquale Isgrò.
Work start new tourist attraction "Fiore di pietra".
Inauguration new attraction “Fiore di pietra”.
Opening "Fiore di pietra".
Takes over Lorenz Brügger.
First phase of the replacement of the railway superstructure.
Covid (late season opening).
Decision to reopen Buvette Bellavista.
Transfer of the observatory.
Second phase of the replacement of the railway superstructure.