A family visit to Stanserhorn mountain in Switzerland is a delightful adventure for nature lovers and young explorers alike. Located in Stans, less than a twenty-minute drive from Lucerne, Stanserhorn can be reached by a charming historic funicular and, for an unforgettable experience, a unique open-air cable car known as the CabriO. Sweeping panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, inviting hiking trails, and the playful marmots at the summit make this mountain perfect for a half-day or full-day family outing near Lucerne.
A Brief History of Stanserhorn
Stanserhorn’s transportation story began in 1893 with the opening of its funicular railway, one of the oldest in Switzerland. In 1975, the upper sections were modernized with the introduction of an aerial cable car, improving access to the summit. In 2012, the groundbreaking CabriO open-air cable car debuted as the world’s first double-decker cable car with an upper open deck, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views during the scenic ascent. This unique cable car ride is a must-try for families and adventure seekers visiting the Lucerne region.
Tickets and Family Tips
Tickets for the Stanserhorn mountain railway can be conveniently purchased online, where you can also reserve your funicular departure time slot, helping you avoid long waits. When purchasing tickets at the station, you must first get a ticket for the next available slot, which can sometimes mean a wait of up to 40 minutes, especially on sunny weekends. Families traveling with a stroller should note that strollers count as a seat reservation, so be sure to notify the attendant beforehand. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your reserved slot to line up. The station provides restrooms with baby changing facilities, and discounts are available for Swiss Pass holders, Half-Fare Card users, and Junior Card holders.
The Journey Up
The charming historic Stanserhorn funicular ride takes about 10 minutes and offers lovely views, especially from the front or back area where seating is limited and standing is common. Once at Kälti, the starting point of the cable car portion, the highlight awaits—the CabriO open-air cable car. Riding on its open upper deck offers an exhilarating and panoramic view of the surrounding alpine landscape, Lake Lucerne, and famous peaks like Pilatus and Rigi. Safety railings are high, making it comfortable and secure for families. The cable car has a midway station with on-demand stops so don’t be alarmed if it stops half-way up the mountain. The conductor welcomes riders in German and English, and instructs guests to pick up cards for descent time slots, which can be collected at a stand when exiting the cable car.
Hiking Trails for Families
At the summit, Stanserhorn offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels, including a 30-minute circular trail around the summit. We took this trail with our family, which took about an hour including several snack breaks. The trail is steep at first, then levels out with some stairs, so strollers are not practical. Along the route are several benches, picnic areas with grilling spots, and a summit observation deck a few minutes off the trail with sweeping views of the Lucerne valley and nearby mountains. This mountain lacks a dedicated family adventure trail with play stations like those found on other nearby mountains, but the kids were super excited by the unique marmot enclosure.
Marmots at the Summit
One of the mountain’s special highlights for families is the marmot enclosure along the circular trail. These adorable, large, fluffy rodents can often be seen standing up on their hind legs or roaming about. Watching the marmots fascinated our children and added a memorable wildlife encounter to the family trip. The marmot park is a lovely surprise not commonly found on Alpine mountain hikes.
Restaurant, Observation Deck, and Shop
At the start and finish of the circular trail is a self-service restaurant featuring classic Swiss mountain cuisine with family-friendly options like a kids menu and baby chairs. Outdoor patio tables include umbrellas for shade, and just off the seating area, you’ll find an observation deck perfect for photos with panoramic views. The restaurant serves Swiss specialties including schnitzel, goulash soup, and charcuterie boards. Next to the restaurant entrance is a small souvenir shop selling Swiss Trauffer wooden animals, T-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs. We bought a Trauffer marmot to remember our fun mountain day.
Arrival and Parking
While the outdoor parking lot near the funicular station is small and can fill up early, paid parking is available at Bahnhofsparking Stans, just a 5-minute walk away. Public transport options are excellent, with the Stans train and bus station located within a short walking distance of the mountain’s entrance, making it convenient for visitors traveling from Lucerne or Zurich.
Overall Thoughts
Our family loved the unique open-air CabriO cable car experience combined with the charming historic funicular ride and was thrilled by the marmots, a delightful surprise. The only downside was the absence of a family adventure trail with play stations, which would inspire little hikers more. Overall, Stanserhorn mountain offers a fantastic day trip near Lucerne with stunning views, pleasant hiking, and engaging wildlife for families and visitors of all ages.