Our steam locomotive takes a break
With more than 130 years behind, our historic steam locomotive has to take breaks for check-ups. This year, unfortunately, it will not be available to the public because of necessary and required maintenance work. But do not worry: it will return soon, regenerated and stronger than ever!
On the move for 130 years
On 4 June 1890, the first steam locomotive left Capolago for the Monte Generoso summit! Would you like to relive that glorious experience? Then book a trip by steam train and go back in time!
360° Panorama
Book your event
Discover the dates when you can board our steam train: there are select days between June and September. Simply book when it's most convenient for you and your "journey through time" will be guaranteed!
A very special locomotive
Have you always fancied seeing the puff of steam from a nineteenth-century locomotive? Here you can board a locomotive from 1890. There are special rides: find out when it runs!
Discover our history, date by date
Having existed for over a century, we have lots of stories to tell! Are you interested in learning more about the development of one of the oldest cog trains in Europe and the only one in the Canton of Ticino? Here are the milestones of the Ferrovia Monte Generoso!
1867
Dr. Carlo Pasta builds the first hotel on Monte Generoso: it is called Bellavista
4 June 1890
The Ferrovia Monte Generoso is inaugurated, which is initially used exclusively by a steam train
27 March 1941
At the initiative of Charles Hochstrasser, Gottlieb Duttweiler buys the Ferrovia Monte Generoso
1970
The Vetta Hotel & Restaurant is built at the summit of Monte Generoso
1982
The Monte Generoso railway is electrified
1996
The Astronomical Observatory is inaugurated on the summit of Monte Generoso, at the patronage of Margherita Hack
1999
The "Grotta dell’Orso" is opened, which will become one of the most important and popular Ticino destinations for excursions
07 July 2000
Purchase of the Bellavista and the old Hotel "Des Alpes"
2014
The old Vetta Monte Generoso Hotel & Restaurant is demolished in order to build a new structure
29 March 2017
The new "Fiore di pietra" facility is officially opened
01 August 2018
Lorenz Brügger takes over the management of the Ferrovia Monte Generoso
11 November 2019
The first phase of the replacement of the railway superstructure is underway
03 May 2021
The Observatory is dismantled and preparations are made for its transfer to Gurten, Bern
15 October 2022
The Buffet Bellavista which has been closed since 2013, has been transformed into a typical but modern grotto after a year of renovation.
31 January 2023
The last phase of the railway's replacement is terminated thanks to the 22 Mio investment of the Migros Culture Percentage
26 October 2023
The FMG announces the company's new corporate identity and the reopening of its services for the winter season.
With the wind in your hair
Would you like to organize a special event in Ticino? Treat yourself to a trip on the "Belle Epoque" train car: enjoy a real ‘vintage’ experience! It can be pulled by a diesel or steam locomotive.
