Geneva’s local mountain lies 900 metres above the Jet d’Eau – on French soil but very much part of Geneva’s identity. The mountain has been accessible by rail for over 120 years and offers impressive views over the canton of Geneva to the Jura, and on a clear day to Mont Blanc.
From 1887, a steam-powered tram ran directly from Geneva to the foot of the Salève. After 1894, passengers could change there and board the romantic carriages of the electric cog railway that climbed along the rock face to the ridge.
Today, you can take the cable car from Le Pas de l’Echelle (Veyrier) to Mont Salève in just five minutes. From the top, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the city of Geneva and the Lake Geneva basin with the Jura in the background. To the south-east you can even see the Alps and the Mont Blanc massif.
Hiking trails from the upper station take you to the observatory a further 150 metres up. The Salève is also famous for its many rocky passages, some of which are official hiking trails, others merely paths that are really only suitable for those with a head for heights
Information
Altitude: 1,097 metres
How to get there: From Geneva city centre by public bus (no. 8, 34, 41, 44) to Veyrier-Ecole, Veyrier-Douane, Croix-de-Rozon douane, then walk or take the Proxi’Phérique dial-a-ride service to the valley station, cable car to the Salève
Views: Across the city of Geneva to the Lake Geneva basin, the airport and the Jura, and to the High Alps, Dents du Midi, Aiguille Verte and Mont Blanc
Attractions: Ridge hike on the Salève, steep descent through the Grotte d’Orjobet (maintained by the SAC), paths for those with a head for heights along the “Balmes” (bands of stone and overhanging rocks).
Food and drink: L’Horizon du Salève restaurant (next to the upper station) with specialities from Geneva and Savoy
Accommodation: Geneva and its environs
Groups: L’Horizon: seating for 135, conference room for 70 people
Winter: Open, winter hiking, some cross-country skiing on the Salève
Special comments: Evening trips on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
