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Take the Kübel cable car up Monte Sasso del Ferro: one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Lake Maggiore awaits you!
Unobstructed views as far as Milan: with the Kübel cable car from Laveno
High up on the Kübel cable car in Laveno – the spectacular panoramic experience on Lake Maggiore
A vacation on Lake Maggiore is characterized by water, mountains and Mediterranean flair – but if you really want to experience the lake from above, you shouldn’t miss out on a trip to the Kübel cable car in Laveno-Mombello. The nostalgic cable car, which takes visitors up to Monte Sasso del Ferro, is one of the most extraordinary excursion destinations in the region and offers an unforgettable panoramic view of Lake Maggiore, the Po Valley and, on a clear day, even as far as the Alps. With a bit of luck, you can even see Milan-Malpensa Airport and the spires of Milan Cathedral in the distance!
In this article, you will find out how to get to the cable car from Cannobio, what makes the cable car so special, what awaits you at the summit and when the cable car is in operation. An ideal destination for a varied day trip!
How do you reach the Kübelbahn in Laveno?
Arrival from Cannobio
Anyone spending their vacation in Cannobio on the western shore of Lake Maggiore at Lakeview Cannobio has several attractive options for getting to the cable car to Laveno.
1. across the lake by liner
The most scenic route is by liner from Cannobio southwards to Verbania-Intra. From there, a scheduled boat takes you across the lake to Laveno-Mombello, which lies on the eastern shore. The boat trip takes around 30 minutes to Verbania and the crossing to Laveno takes another 20 minutes. The landing stage is just a few minutes’ walk from the valley station of the cable car. Alternatively, you can of course also drive to Verbania-Intra by car and then take the boat from there; there are plenty of parking spaces available at the port of Verbania-Intra. (Please note: not on Saturdays, as there is a weekly market in Intra).
2. by car via ferry
Laveno is also easy to reach by car or rental car. First drive from Cannobio to Verbania-Intra (about a 40-minute drive along the lakeshore) and take the car ferry to Laveno. The ferries run approximately every 20 minutes in high season and tickets are available directly at the pier. The ferry crossing is often a special experience, especially for children!
Tip: Arrive early, as the ferries are often very busy in good weather – especially at weekends.
3. alternative: completely overland
If you don’t want to use the ferry, you can also take the overland route via Locarno, Luino and Maccagno. This route is scenically beautiful, but much more winding and less efficient in terms of time (travel time approx. 1.5 hours).
What is so special about the cable car?
The Laveno bucket cable car is a unique technical and tourist attraction. Instead of modern large cabins, it uses small, open one-man gondolas – or rather: green metal buckets with space for two people standing up. This open design enables particularly close contact with nature and breathtaking views during the ride.
Nostalgic charm & 360° panorama
The railroad was built in the 1960s, completely renovated in the early 2000s and still exudes nostalgic charm today. Despite its simplicity, it is safe, well-maintained and extremely popular with tourists and locals alike. During the 16-minute ride up Monte Sasso del Ferro (1,062 m), you have a clear view of the lake, the surrounding villages and the glistening water.
The brave can ride in the open cabin, while those who are less daring can also choose the (less common) closed cabins – ideal in strong winds or with children.
Where does the Kübelbahn go – and what awaits me at my destination?
Destination: Monte Sasso del Ferro
The cable car takes you up Monte Sasso del Ferro, one of the most beautiful viewpoints on Lake Maggiore. A spectacular panorama opens up as soon as you arrive at the mountain station:
To the south, you have a view of the entire lake with its islands
To the east lies the Po Valley as far as the metropolis of Milan
The Ticino mountains can be seen to the west
And in the north, on a clear day, the Valais and Bernese Alps rise up – including Monte Rosa!
Activities at the summit
1. Panorama Restaurant:
Right next to the mountain station is a spacious restaurant with a terrace. Here you can enjoy regional specialties—from pasta and risotto to polenta dishes and sweet desserts. Highly recommended: a glass of local wine while watching the sunset over the lake.
2. Hiking & Enjoying Nature:
Several hiking trails start at the summit—ranging from short walks to hikes lasting several hours. Popular routes lead to Alpe di Laveno, through chestnut forests, or to nearby chapels and lookout points.
Highly recommended: The Monte Sasso del Ferro loop trail, which is easy to hike and offers plenty of panoramic views.
3. Paragliding:
The summit is a popular launch site for paragliders. On windless days, you can regularly see paragliders gliding gracefully over the lake. If you’d like, you can even book a tandem flight —an unforgettable adventure!
4. Take Photos & Enjoy:
The entire area around the mountain station is secure, easily accessible, and full of quiet spots with fantastic viewpoints. The light is especially spectacular for photos during the golden hour in the afternoon.
The cable car is usually open from around 10 a.m., the ride costs (ascent and descent) around 10 euros for adults and around 7 euros for children. Information: Funivia Laveno – Sasso del Ferro
Conclusion: A must for every visitor to Lake Maggiore
The Laveno bucket cable car is much more than just a means of transportation—it’s a true experience! The nostalgic gondolas, the breathtaking view from Monte Sasso del Ferro, and the cozy summit restaurant make this excursion a highlight of any Lake Maggiore vacation.
Especially if you’re vacationing in Cannobio, you can easily reach the cable car by boat and ferry —a perfect combination of adventure, romance, and enjoying nature. Just be sure to ride only when the weather is good—the view is very dull in fog.
Questions and answers
It operates with nostalgic open metal gondolas designed for two people to ride standing up, taking visitors on a roughly 16-minute ride with an unobstructed view of the mountain.