Mont Salève – Geneva's home mountain - Geneva

Geneva’s home mountain lies around 900 meters above the Jet d'Eau, on French terrain, yet at the heart of Geneva. And the mountain has been connected to mountain rail since over 120 years. Impressive views over the canton of Geneva as far as the Jura - and Mont Blanc on a clear day.

From 1887, a steam-powered tram ran directly from Geneva to the foot of the Salève; in 1894, passengers first boarded the romantic carriages of the electric cog railway – with a somewhat dangerous current collector on the side – to ride along the rockface to the ridge as far as Treize Arbres. Today's visitors can take the cable car from Le Pas de l'Echelle (Veyrier) to Treize Arbres, just below the observatory.

Numerous hiking paths lead to the 150 meter-high observatory from the mountain station. Famous are the many rocky paths on the Salève, partly official hiking trails - and some paths are really only for those with a head for heights. "Grande Varappe" originates from the French word for climbing.

Information

Altitude: 1097m
Accessibility:
From the Geneva city center by public bus (Nos. 8, 34, 41, 44) to Veyrier-Ecole, Veyrier-Douane, Croix-de-Rozon douane, on foot or with the call-bus Proxi'Phérique to the valley station, cable car to
View: Over the city of Geneva and Geneva lake basin, the airport, Jura, Dents du Midi, Aiguille Verte and Mont Blanc
Attractions: Salève ridge hikes, steep descents through the Grotte d'Orjobet (SAC maintained), path along the "Balmes" for non vertigo sufferers (secured and overhanging rocks)
Culinary aspects: Restaurant L'Horizon du Salève (by the mountain station) with specialities from Geneva and Savoyen
Overnight stays: Geneva and environs
Groups: L'Horizon: 135 places, conference hall 70 people
Winter: In operation, Winter hikes, some cross-country tracks on the Salève
Special comments: Evening trips Thursday, Friday and Saturday.