Parpaner Rothorn is a beautiful alpine area in the Lenzerheide region of Switzerland that offers fantastic summer family activities. From the longest marble run in the country to themed hiking trails and world-class mountain biking, it is the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure. Plan to spend a half or full day exploring everything this mountain has to offer.
Switzerland’s Longest Marble Run (Murmelibahn)
The biggest highlight for our family was the longest marble run in Switzerland, featuring over 250 meters of track.
- Location: A short, flat, and stroller-friendly walk from the Scharmoin middle cable car station.
- How it works: The wooden tracks are built on a fenced slope. You can buy a wooden ball from a vending machine using a 2 CHF coin, or you can bring your own.
- Insider Tip: Use a permanent marker to write your name on your marbles so they do not get mixed up with others.
Our kids loved racing their marbles down the different tracks. Keep in mind that there is very little shade on the slope, so remember to bring hats and plenty of water. While there is no seating directly inside the marble run area, you will find picnic tables nearby where you can sit and enjoy a snack.
The Autschliweg Family Hiking Trail
If you want a family-friendly hike in Lenzerheide, head to the Autschliweg trail.
- Route: This trail starts at the Scharmoin middle station and winds downhill.
- Duration: It takes about 1 hour to hike, plus a 15-minute walk from the end of the trail back to the Rothorn base station.
- Highlights: The trail features interactive stations where kids can search for hidden bears along the path.
A Paradise for Mountain Biking
The mountain is also famous for Lenzerheide mountain biking. You will find a wide variety of bike trails running from the Scharmoin middle station down to the valley. If your kids want to practice their techniques first, there is a beginner bike skills station located right at the base station.
How to Get There & Ticket Info
Planning your trip to Parpaner Rothorn is straightforward:
- Location: The Rothorn cable car base station is located between the towns of Lenzerheide and Valbella.
- Parking: Paid parking is available at the large Parkplatz Rothorn lot.
- Public Transport: Take the local bus and get off at the Lenzerheide/Lai, Rothornbahn stop.
- Tickets: You can buy lift tickets at the main counter or online in advance.
- Money-Saving Tip: Check with your hotel or vacation rental before buying tickets. We stayed at the Valbella Resort, and our summer package included free lift tickets!
When boarding the cable car, note that there are separate lines for hikers and guests with mountain bikes. Always check the live Lenzerheide webcams online before heading up to verify the weather and mountain visibility.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are visiting for the marble run, the themed hiking trails, or the biking tracks, Parpaner Rothorn is a top choice for a Switzerland family vacation. We focused mostly on the marble run, which our kids absolutely loved, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.
For more family travel tips and recommendations in the Lenzerheide area, browse our latest blog posts!