Laveno Monbello is a typical lakeside town on the western shores of Lake Maggiore. The town is in a strategic position on the lake and during the Renaissance it was used as a military port. In 1856 many ceramic factories were built and the town's economy flourished.

The lakefront is lined with porticoed buildings and there are elegant 17th and 18th century villas throughout the town as it rises to the meet the lower slopes of Mount Sasso del Ferro. 

There is a cable car from Laveno to Mount Sasso del Ferro which is affectionately known as the "bucket lift". This is due to the fact that the two-man cabins are open top and resemble giant buckets.

The journey up the mountain takes 16 minutes and takes you to 3484ft which is just below the summit. The journey is peaceful with stunning views across Lake Maggiore, the Alps, the Po Valley and Lombardy's other lakes.

There are walking routes possible, but the mountain is more popular as a take off point for paragliders and deltaplaners.

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Practical Info

The bucket lift is open all year round. From March to October it operates Monday - Friday 11.00 - 17.00 (last descent 17.30), Saturdays 11.00 - 17.00 (last descent 17.30) and Sundays and Bank Holidays 10.00 - 17.00 (last descent 17.30). The bucket lift does not operate in bad weather or high winds.

During the summer on Friday, Saturday and Sunday the bucket lift in Laveno is open until 22.30 (last descent)

Ticket Prices:

Full Price Return € 10.00

Full Price One Way € 7.00

Over 65's Price Return € 7.00

Over 65's price One Way € 5.00

Family return ticket for 2 parents + children up to 12 years:

Parent Price € 9.50

Child Price € 3.00

Day ticket for people paragliding or deltaplaning € 9.50

The journey in the bucket lift takes 16 minutes.

www.funiviedellagomaggiore.it