Mount Titlis is part of the Swiss Alps stretching 3,239 meters tall. It is accessible by cable car from the town of Engelberg, which is less than 40 minutes south of Lucerne. This mountain offers many winter activities including skiing, winter hikes, exploring a glacier cave, sledding, snowmobiling, and much more. We have been to the mountain a couple of times and still have not had enough time to see it all. Start your day early and plan for a full day of fun in the snow.
Arrival and Tickets
Driving to Engelberg is straightforward, and several paid parking lots are available. The later you arrive, the further you will need to park from the cable car, though there is a drop-off area right at the entrance. At the cable car station, you’ll find a ticket counter, but on busy weekends the line can be very long. Instead, look for the automated ticket machines where you can quickly purchase what you need. Have a plan in mind before you buy tickets—if you just want sledding, a return ticket to Trübsee is enough. If you plan to see the Glacier Cave or take in the panoramic views at the top, you’ll need the more expensive return ticket to Titlis. Discounts are available with the Swiss Half Fare Card, Swiss Junior Card, and Swiss Travel Pass. Make sure to check the online webcams to see conditions on the mountain before purchasing tickets. Once you have tickets, take the Titlis Express to Trübsee. Do note that weekends and holidays mean long waits, so aim to arrive early.
Sledding at Trübsee
The first stop on the Titlis Express is Trübsee, home to many family-friendly snow activities like sledding, snowmobiling, and hiking. Our family especially enjoys the free sledding hill. It’s stroller-accessible, which is convenient with small kids. While snow tubes and sleds are provided at no cost, we bring our own sled to avoid waiting during peak hours. There are two runs—one dedicated to sleds and one for tubes. A magic carpet belt conveniently brings you to the top of the hill, making repeat runs easy. At the top are foam blocks for seating, though the area can be packed on weekends. A good tip: crowds usually lessen during lunchtime, giving you more space on the hill. Be sure to bring helmets for a safe ride.
Visiting Klein Titlis
From Trübsee, continue up with the Titlis Express to Stand, then transfer to the famous Titlis Rotair. This cable car is unique because it rotates 360 degrees as it climbs, offering breathtaking views all around. At Klein Titlis station, highlights include the Glacier Cave, Panoramic Terrace, and the Titlis Cliff Walk suspension bridge. Walking through the 5,000-year-old glacier was unforgettable, even though the icy path was slippery. Rails are in place to hold onto, and along the way we noticed fun objects frozen inside the ice like the recognizable Trauffer Cow and even Scrat from Ice Age. For fewer crowds, visit these attractions earlier in the day when you first arrive. Be sure to check the last cable car descent time so you don’t miss the final ride down.
Dining on the Mountain
Options for dining on Mount Titlis range from casual self-service spots to sit-down restaurants. We chose the Italian restaurant Lago Torbido at Trübsee for a proper meal during our visit. It was wonderful to have a chance to sit down, relax, and enjoy pasta and pizza with views over the mountains. The children’s menu came with coloring activities, which kept the kids entertained and made the meal very family friendly. Reservations are recommended and can be made easily online. Having a proper break added a nice balance to an active day in the snow.
Conclusion
Mount Titlis is a stunning destination in the Swiss Alps with endless opportunities for family fun. From sledding at Trübsee to exploring the Glacier Cave at Klein Titlis, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Arriving early helps avoid long lines and ensures you can make the most of your visit. With its mix of activities, kid-friendly dining, and panoramic alpine views, Titlis is one of the best family day trips from Lucerne.
Note: The image of the Mount Titlis Map was taken from this webpage.