The Pigra Cable Car (Funivia Argegno-Pigra, if you want to get technical) is a cable car that connects the lakeside town of Argegno with the small mountain village of Pigra, high above Lake Como.
It’s a quick trip, but it packs a punch in terms of views. Seriously, the panorama is something else. If you’re staying around the central lake area, Argegno is easy to reach by bus or boat.
Pigra Cable Car Description
Think of it as a moving room with a view. You step into this cabin, which can hold a fair few people (though it doesn’t feel cramped), and then you start your ascent. The cable car climbs steeply up the mountainside, giving you a proper bird’s-eye view of Lake Como.
It’s a great way to get a different perspective of the area. The ride itself is quite short, only a few minutes, which might be a relief for those not too keen on heights, like me.
What to Expect at Pigra Cable Car
First off, expect some great photos. Have your camera ready because you’ll want to capture the views. At the top, in Pigra, you’ll find a quiet village with a few restaurants and walking paths. It’s a nice change of pace from the busier towns down by the lake.
The View
I like to call this cable car “the shortcut to some seriously amazing views“. You’re basically hauled straight up the mountainside, giving you a proper bird’s-eye view of Lake Como. Seriously, you get a completely different perspective from up there.
Now, I’m not afraid of heights (much), but I will admit there’s a slight “whee!” moment as you ascend. It’s not terrifying, more like a fun little thrill. You’re in a sturdy cabin, so no need to worry about dangling precariously. I found myself glued to the window, watching the lake and the surrounding villas shrink below.
Once you reach Pigra, you’re greeted with some truly stunning panoramas. You can see practically the whole of Lake Como, stretching out like a shimmering blue ribbon.
Pigra Village
It’s a small village perched up on the hillside. Think narrow streets, stone houses, and views that will make your jaw drop. It’s the perfect antidote to the busier towns down by the lake. Of course, there isn’t a huge list of “must-see” attractions, and that’s kind of the point.
It’s a place to wander around, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the scenery. There are a few local restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat or a coffee, and the food is generally good, home-style Italian cooking.
Hiking is also popular in the area. There are several trails that start from Pigra, offering different levels of difficulty. If you’re up for a bit of a walk, you can explore the surrounding hills and forests. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring some water.
The Ride
The ride itself is pretty short; it only takes a few minutes. But those minutes are packed with some seriously impressive views. It’s a pretty standard setup: two cars that go up and down, passing each other halfway. One thing I found amusing was the steepness of the incline. It’s quite a gradient! You definitely feel like you’re going straight up at times. It’s not scary or anything, just a bit of a quirky sensation.
Getting to the cable car station in Argegno is easy. There are buses that connect Argegno to other towns on the lake, and there’s also a ferry stop. If you’re driving, there are parking options available, though they can get a bit busy during peak season.
The Origins of the Pigra Cable Car
This thing has been shuttling people up and down the steep slopes between Argegno (down by the lake) and Pigra (up in the hills) for a good long while. We’re talking about a history that stretches back to the early 20th century. Can you believe it?
Back then, getting up to Pigra wasn’t exactly a quick stroll. I’m guessing it was a serious hike, probably involving some questionable footpaths. So, in 1907, they decided to build a funicular – which is basically a cable car that runs on tracks.
The system that you can see now is not the original contraption from 1907, that’s for sure. But the basic idea is the same: a couple of cars hauled up and down by cables. It’s a simple, effective system that’s been doing the job for over a century.
