Moléson Summit
Ascend Moléson Summit for breathtaking 360° views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, accessible by cable car with hiking options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, fewer crowds
Moléson Summit
Best Time
Clear skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Moléson Summit for breathtaking 360° views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, accessible by cable car with hiking options.
"Views you won't regret. Accessible by cable car to the summit of 2002 meters."
🎟️ Cable Car Tickets
Adult round trip is CHF 35. Consider going one-way and hiking down for a 3-hour adventure!
🥾 Hiking Boots Recommended
Even with cable cars, good footwear is key for exploring trails and summit areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
360° Panoramic Views
Moléson Summit
Breathtaking vistas of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Swiss Plateau. A truly unforgettable sight.
Lake Geneva & Alpine Peaks
Summit Viewpoints
Spot iconic landmarks like Mont-Blanc and the vast expanse of Lake Geneva from this elevated vantage point.
Hiking Trails
Various routes from Plan-Francey
Explore diverse trails, from gentle walks to challenging climbs like Teysachaux (T4 classification).
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent
Gear Up for the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Cable Car Tickets
Adult round trip is CHF 35. Consider going one-way and hiking down for a 3-hour adventure!
🥾 Hiking Boots Recommended
Even with cable cars, good footwear is key for exploring trails and summit areas.
🧀 Gruyère Cheese Stop
Visit the Gruyère factory on your way up for delicious local cheese!
☀️ Sun Protection
Pack sunscreen and a hat; the sun is strong at the summit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Cable Car Tickets
Adult round trip is CHF 35. Consider going one-way and hiking down for a 3-hour adventure!
🥾 Hiking Boots Recommended
Even with cable cars, good footwear is key for exploring trails and summit areas.
🧀 Gruyère Cheese Stop
Visit the Gruyère factory on your way up for delicious local cheese!
☀️ Sun Protection
Pack sunscreen and a hat; the sun is strong at the summit.
🍽️ Restaurant Hours
Check kitchen times; they close after lunch and reopen for dinner. Sandwiches available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Moléson Summit for its absolutely stunning, unparalleled 360° panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. The accessibility via cable car makes it a great option for many, and the hiking opportunities are a bonus for the more active. Some note that the restaurant kitchen has limited hours and that the sun can be intense, so planning is key.
"Views you wont regret. accessible by cable car to the summit of 2002 meters. 35 CHF to the top by cable car per person"
Šarūnas P.
"A fantastic voyage in Switzerland reaching the 2nd highest peak in the Swiss Alps.
“[The Moléson (French: Le Moléson) (2,002 metres (6,568 ft)) is a mountain in the Swiss Prealps, overlooking the region of Gruyères in the Canton (State) of Fribourg. It lies at the Northern end of the chain between Lake Geneva and the valley of the Sarine]”
Absent the skills to ski this region, we preferred the teleferico rides from the base (near the premier Suisse chocolate houses) to the restaurant at the summit for some exceptional coffees and typical Suisse Cheese Fondue (likely Gruyère Cheese -Rich).
Hiking is available from the base. One must be prepared, equipped, well-heeled (literally with boots, hiking sticks, and mountain climbing equipment for which I’m no advisor).
Be sure to visit the chocolate factories at the base possibly first and watch the chocolate crafters paint the face on an Easter Bunny!"
Adam Halpern
"The view from the top was amazing. The walk was always in the sun. I wished for more shade. You can take the funicular to the half way point and hike up like we did that took 3 hours. Or you can take the funicular to the gondola all the way to the top. Check the restaurant kitchen times if you want to eat there. They close after lunch and don’t open again till dinner. You can get sandwiches and drinks but not hot food."
Vanessa Gatelein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive and park at the Moléson-Sur-Gruyère car park, which is free for cars and campers. From there, you can take the funicular and cable car system to reach the summit.
Yes, it's accessible by public transport. You can reach the base of the mountain via bus and then utilize the funicular and cable car.
The most convenient way is to take the funicular to Plan-Francey and then the cable car all the way to the summit. This offers stunning views without strenuous effort.
Yes, hiking is available from the base. One popular option is to take the funicular to the halfway point and hike up, which takes about 3 hours.
Yes, there is a car park at Moléson-Sur-Gruyère which is free for cars and campers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The adult round-trip ticket for the cable car is CHF 35. A one-way ticket with a 3-hour hike down is CHF 22.
Information on specific discounts for children or seniors is not readily available in the provided sources, but it's advisable to check the official Moléson website for current pricing.
While not explicitly stated, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended for popular attractions to save time, especially during peak season.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Moléson website for the most up-to-date information on funicular and cable car schedules.
The primary cost is for the cable car/funicular access. Once at the summit, the panoramic views and general access to the viewing areas are typically included with your ticket.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
There are various hiking options, from gentle walks around the summit to more challenging routes. The hike to Teysachaux (1909m) and Le Moléson (2002m) from Plan-Francey is popular, with Teysachaux classified as T4.
You'll enjoy a breathtaking 360° panorama including Lake Geneva, the Alps (like Mont-Blanc), and the Swiss Plateau. It's also a great spot for sunset.
Yes, you can climb one of the two Via Ferrata routes or enjoy mountain biking trails.
The accessibility via cable car makes it suitable for families. There are also hiking trails that can be adapted to different fitness levels.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Dress in layers as mountain weather can be unpredictable. Sun protection like sunscreen and a hat is also recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant at the summit offering views and typical Swiss cuisine like cheese fondue.
The restaurant kitchen typically closes after lunch and reopens for dinner. You can still get sandwiches and drinks outside of hot meal times.
Yes, after descending, you can find restaurants in Moléson village.
Expect traditional Swiss dishes, with cheese fondue (likely Gruyère) being a popular choice.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in the reviews, but traditional Swiss fondue is cheese-based. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant about other options.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for stunning photos. Sunrise and sunset can also provide dramatic lighting conditions.
The panoramic views of Lake Geneva, the Alps, and the Swiss Plateau are prime subjects. Don't forget to capture the cable cars and the mountain landscape.
Yes, the views are spectacular and easily captured with any smartphone camera.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography for visitors. However, commercial photography might require permission.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive panoramas. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures, especially during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families who enjoy a bit of activity, the easier hiking trails from Plan-Francey can be a great option. Ensure everyone has comfortable shoes, and be prepared for changing mountain weather by packing layers. The overall experience is memorable and offers a taste of the Swiss Alps in an accessible way.
🚶 Hikers & Adventure Seekers
The mountain also features Via Ferrata routes and mountain biking trails for adrenaline junkies. Remember to check trail conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on more demanding hikes.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Reaching the Summit: Cable Cars & Hiking
For the truly adventurous, challenging hiking trails branch out from Plan-Francey. One notable route leads to the summits of Teysachaux (1909m) and Le Moléson (2002m). The Teysachaux summit is classified as T4, indicating a more demanding hike that requires sure-footedness and good physical condition.
Regardless of your chosen method of ascent, the journey to the top is an integral part of the Moléson experience.It's important to note that the cable car operating hours can vary seasonally, so checking the official Moléson website before your visit is highly recommended. This ensures you can plan your ascent and descent accordingly, whether you're aiming for a leisurely ride or an active hike.
The Unforgettable Views from Moléson
Many visitors describe the views as 'unbelievable' and 'speechless-inducing,' highlighting the sheer scale and beauty of the landscape. The summit is also noted as a fantastic spot to witness the sunset, casting a warm, golden glow over the mountains and valleys. For those interested in astronomy, Moléson has even hosted astronomy weekends, suggesting its clear skies are ideal for stargazing.
Beyond the grand panoramas, the summit area itself offers opportunities for exploration. Gentle paths allow visitors to wander and find different vantage points, while the nearby Teysachaux summit provides a slightly different perspective. The combination of accessible elevation and stunning scenery makes Moléson Summit a must-visit for anyone seeking iconic Swiss vistas.
Culinary Delights and Local Flavors
It's important to be aware of the restaurant's operating hours, as the kitchen typically closes after lunch and reopens for dinner. While hot meals might not be available during the afternoon break, visitors can still purchase sandwiches and drinks. For those who wish to explore local produce further, stopping at the Gruyère cheese factory on the way up is a popular suggestion, allowing you to purchase cheese and other local delicacies.
For a more extensive dining experience, the village of Moléson also offers various restaurants. This provides flexibility for visitors who might want to enjoy a meal before or after their ascent, ensuring a well-rounded experience that combines scenic beauty with delicious food.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit