Giro del Monte Generoso da Orimento
Giro del Monte Generoso da Orimento
4.8
(227)
951
hikers
03:21
9.99km
390m
Hiking
Embark on a moderate hike around Monte Generoso, a journey that takes you through peaceful pastures and shaded forested areas. This route covers 6.2 miles (10.0 km) and involves an elevation gain of 1286 feet (392 metres), typically completed in about 3 hours and 20 minutes. As you ascend, you'll…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
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7 m
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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123 m
Highlight • Restaurant
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559 m
Highlight • Natural
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4.87 km
Highlight • Viewpoint
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5.16 km
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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5.28 km
Highlight • Monument
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9.17 km
Highlight • Trail
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9.99 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
3.88 km
3.22 km
2.58 km
155 m
112 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.16 km
2.54 km
1.51 km
480 m
251 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,630 m)
Lowest point (1,260 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 27 May
28°C
17°C
13 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 3.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
The trail begins in Orimento. While the sources don't explicitly detail parking, Orimento is a hamlet, suggesting local parking options might be available. It's advisable to check local information for specific parking areas before your visit.
The difficulty varies significantly depending on your chosen path. The low path ("Via Bassa") is generally considered simpler and easier, with a modest slope, making it suitable for families with children and beginners. In contrast, the high route ("Sentiero Alto") is more exposed and can be more challenging, with steep and rocky sections that may require comfort with heights. The overall tour is rated as moderate.
Yes, hikers can choose between two distinct paths: a high route ("Sentiero Alto") and a low route ("Via Bassa"). The high route is more exposed and panoramic, while the low path is generally easier and offers a detour to the Bear Cave.
The terrain transitions from pastures and mountain pastures to forested areas, including a fir forest on the high route. The north and west sides of Monte Generoso feature wild flanks and sloping walls, while the south and east offer gentler slopes with vast pastures. You might even encounter semi-wild Haflinger horses.
From the summit, you'll experience expansive panoramic views from the Apennines to the Alps. Along the way, you can visit the Orimento Hut, the Il Vecchio Casaro Farmhouse, and see Horses at Borgo di Orimento. Near the summit, don't miss the View from Monte Generoso and the architectural marvel, The Stone Flower.
While the sources don't explicitly state dog-friendliness, many trails in this region are generally accessible for dogs on a leash. Given the varied terrain and potential for encountering wildlife or livestock (like Haflinger horses), keeping dogs leashed is highly recommended. Always check local regulations before you go.
The trail is best enjoyed during the warmer months. The "Sentiero Botanico" variant, for example, is particularly impressive in May and June when the laburnum forest is in bloom. For winter hiking, specific gear and conditions should be considered due to snow and ice.
There is no mention of specific permits or entrance fees required for hiking the Monte Generoso Summit Trail from Orimento. However, it's always good practice to check for any local regulations or park fees that might apply before your trip.
The research indicates that public transport to Orimento, specifically bus routes, is a common user query. While specific bus routes or timetables are not provided, it suggests that public bus services to the Valle Intelvi area, including Orimento, are likely available. Checking local transport websites for current schedules is recommended.
Yes, near the trailhead in Orimento, you can find the Orimento Hut and the Il Vecchio Casaro Farmhouse, which likely offer food. At the summit, the "Stone Flower" building houses an elegant restaurant and self-service options. For accommodation, options like hotels, B&Bs, or agriturismos in the Valle Intelvi area near Orimento are available.
Absolutely! On the low path, you can detour to the Bear Cave (Grotta dell'Orso), a significant karstic cave where fossil remains of cave bears and even Neanderthal findings have been discovered. If you take a variant of the high route, the "Sentiero Botanico" is home to Europe's largest forest of laburnum, a rare and beautiful sight, especially when blooming.
Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Notably, sections of the Monte Bisbino-Monte Generoso, CamminaForeste - Tappa 8D, and Sentiero del Monte Generoso overlap with this trail. Near the summit, the low path transforms into the Sentiero dei pianeti, leading to the Astronomical Observatory.
📍Departure: Orimento hut (Val d'Intelvi) ↗️ Ascent: high path, some sections a little exposed but very panoramic ↘️ Descent: low path
A head for heights and surefootedness are required for this hike. The tour has a few steep slopes, but otherwise not difficult. The starting point is the building "Fiore di pietra" (stone flower) built by the famous architect Mario Botta, the breathtaking panorama is reflected in the windows. Monte Generoso is half Swiss: the border with Ticino runs exactly over its summit. It is particularly easy to reach from Lake Lugano. The cog railway has been traveling from Capolago over a distance of 9 km through a magical landscape to just below the summit for 130 years. On the Italian side, the ascent begins in the Val d’Intelvi, a densely populated valley between Lake Como and Lake Lugano, which for centuries was primarily known for its builders, sculptors and plasterers. They created art treasures that are well worth seeing all over Europe. The summit has something to offer for everyone: day trippers can stroll along the hiking trails around the summit or stop at the restaurant. The north ridge and the Ferrata Angelino are the right terrain for climbers. Paragliders soar into the air from their meadow slopes. Botanists are enthusiastic about the diversity of plants. Monte Generoso is sure to delight everyone. On a clear day, the view extends from the Apennines to the Central Alps, from the Monte Rosa massif over the Matterhorn, Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, the Gotthard massif to the Bernina in the north. Even the cathedral of Milan should be recognizable, that was a pious wish today.
We start from Orimento. The restaurant car park is only accessible if you are a customer... otherwise there is another car park with about 20 spaces about 1 km before. I went up with the Via Alta and then descended with the Via Bassa. I advise against the opposite. The Via Alta is slightly exposed (it depends on each of us's tolerance) and has some sections with chains although in my opinion (in addition to being in terrible condition in April 2024) they are useless. You then arrive from the Via Alta to the summit of Monte Generoso and that abomination that is the Fiore di Pietra. The return is possible via the Via Bassa in order to complete a ring. There is the possibility of meeting the Bisbino Horses along the route, generally near the start. I invite you to read the story :)
simple ring of the generous mountain, I decided to do the low variant on the way out and the high one on the way back. unfortunately on Sunday it was full of people
Easy but very rewarding route, and if the weather is good the view is stunning.