Ferrovia Monte Generoso
800 mm

Line 600 - Gotthardbahn

section Lugano - Chiasso

Ferrovia Monte Generoso

Capolago - Generoso Vetta

Capolago Lago (273 m)

It is 11 am, and the train is waiting for departure at Capolago Lago station

From Capolago Lago station there is only one train daily, offering an excellent connection from the boat coming from Lugano. The actual terminal is rather Capolag-Riva San Vitale, which is only 300 m away from here. But before reaching this station, the train passes a small exhibition of the widest spread rack systems, used on the world's rack railways, from left to right: the Riggenbach-, Strub-, Abt- (e.g. the Monte Generoso Railway) and Locher-systems.

Capolago-Riva San Vitale (274 m)

Capolago station.
The standard gauge tracks are located on the other side of the building.

Steep gradient above Capolago. The train climbs 433 until the first station.

The tiny car is used to transport large objects - luggage, bicycle etc. - that don't belong in the passenger room.

change for the Gotthardbahn (Line 600) »

San Nicolao (707 m)

The cab of the Bhe 4/8, running downhill before the San Nicolao tunnel

The Abt system rack railway reaches its highest inclination of 220 per thousand between San Nicolao and Bellavista.

Bellavista (1222 m)

When reaching Bellavista station, the driver throws the switch with own hands

The trains running upward and downward meet here. This is the last crossing place before the summit station.

Indeed, the vista is beautiful.
Although the actual belvedere is a few minutes walk from here.

The history of the Monte Generoso Railway began in 1867. In this year was built the Hotel Belavista, the hotel of Dr. Carlo Pasta. The doctor from Mendrisio wanted to help the numerous excursionists - coming mostly from the Lombard aristocracy - who desired to enjoy the wonderful panorama of Monte Generoso. At that time only a footpath led to the mountain, and most of the hikers didn't like the idea to climb 1500 m in one day. In his hotel, Dr. Pasta offered a rest under luxury circumstances halfway. Even so, the way to the summit remained very tiring, therefore Dr. Pasta came up with the idea to build a mountain railway. In 1886, his joint stock company won the concession for its construction and operation.
The 9 km long, 800 mm gauge, steam operated railway was inaugurated on 4th June 1890. But despite all expectations, the new railway operated at a loss. After the death of Dr. Pasta, the company went bankrupt several times, so the service had to be terminated in 1939. The line was threatened by demolition, until Gottlieb Duttweiler, founder of MIGROS supermarket chain bought the railway. The operation started on 27th March 1941 again.
The Ferrovia Monte Generoso is part of MIGROS until present day. The cog railway line was electrified with 800 V DC at the early 80's.

An the train departs to fight the last section to the summit...

The four class Bhe 4/8 electric trainsets had been built by SLM Winterthur and Siemens. They are in service since 1982. These trains can carry 96 seated passengers. Maximum speed allowed is 22 km/h uphill, and 14 km/h downhill.