Stanserhorn: the must-knows

  • The Stanserhorn is a mountain and viewpoint near Lucerne.
  • The ride up is an attraction: you’ll travel in a nostalgic wooden funicular and in the open-deck CabriO cable car.
  • The 360°C-view from the platforms and rotating restaurant is beautiful.
  • Our bonus tip: turn left after arrival at the top, and follow the footpath to the stunning lunch spot with its picnic table.
  • The trip is for free with a Swiss Travel Pass and Tell-Pass. Many other rail passes provide discounts.
Min. time required: 2:30
Season: mid April to mid November
Recommended season: mid April to mid November
Max. altitude: 1850 m (6070 ft)

What is Stanserhorn? Copy link to clipboard

The Stanserhorn is a mountain of 1850 m near Lucerne and close to the south-western shore of Lake Lucerne. The top is accessible by funicular and open-deck cable car (called CabriO) from mid-April to mid-November.

You can admire the amazing views from several viewpoints and a rotating restaurant. You'll see the peak of Pilatus quite close to you, Lake Lucerne and Mount Rigi in the north, and the snow-capped Central Alps and Bernese Alps in the south.

Several hiking trails start from Stanserhorn as well.

Ticket prices and boarding passes explained Copy link to clipboard

Stanserhorn prices: 2024 overview

PriceMore information and pricesDescription
CHF 0more infoReturn trip with a Swiss Travel Pass or Swiss Travel Pass Flex
CHF 0more infoReturn trip with a Tell-Pass
CHF 37more infoReturn trip with a 50% discounted "Good Morning Ticket" (only in April, May and November), with a Swiss Half Fare Card
CHF 41more infoReturn trip with a normal 50% discounted ticket, with a Swiss Half Fare Card
CHF 74more infoReturn trip with a "Good Morning Ticket" (only in April, May and November), full fare
CHF 82more infoReturn trip with a normal ticket, full fare

Stanserhorn prices with a rail pass

The Swiss Travel Pass, Swiss Travel Pass Flex, and Tell-Pass provide free rides to Stanserhorn.

With a Swiss Half Fare Card, you can buy a 50% discounted ticket or a 50% discounted Saver Day Pass. A discounted Saver Day Pass can be cheaper than normal tickets, if bought well in advance.

Find a complete overview of rail pass discounts here.

Access to the open-air cable car deck

There are no extra fees to access the open roof deck of the CabriO cable car. We greatly enjoy this open-air ride and we absolutely recommend it, especially since there are no additional costs involved!

Cheaper "Good Morning Tickets" in April, May and November

In the low-season months of April, May and November you can get a cheaper "Good Morning Ticket". Your departure from Stans must be no later than 09:30 am. There's an additional discount for Swiss Half Fare Card holders.

Tickets with or without boarding pass

Most Stanserhorn tickets include a free boarding pass. This guarantees access to the funicular and cable car during a specific time slot.

You can order a separate boarding pass for CHF 2, if you've purchased a ticket without boarding pass, or if you have no ticket at all because your rail pass grants free traveling. In our view, the small additional fee is worth it to skip the queues during peak times in high season. This mostly concerns the mornings from June to September, even more so on good weather days during weekends and school holidays.

A boarding pass isn't obligatory. You just may need to wait a bit longer if it's busy and you don't have one.

Where to buy Stanserhorn tickets

You can buy tickets online, or at the valley station in Stans and the mid-station Kälti.

Get your tickets for Stanserhorn Copy link to clipboard

Book your tickets with and without rail pass discounts here. Or find a tour that suits your needs.

Switzerland Travel Centre
Ticket Stanserhorn
Mountains
The CabriO Stanserhorn ticket entitles you to a return journey from Stans to the Stanserhorn in the CabriO cable car with open viewing platform.

Offered by Official SBB shop: swissrailways.com

  • Official webshop of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), operated by Switzerland Travel Centre (STC)
  • Instant delivery through e-mail in 5 minutes
  • Free cancellation until 1 day before travel, if you choose the FLEX OPTION. No questions asked.
  • Extra Support: MySwissAlps can answer most questions regarding your order as well.
Stanserhorn Ticket: Funicular and CabriO
Stanserhorn Ticket: Funicular and CabriO
Hiking, Mountains
A ride up the Stanserhorn is a double experience: the first part you ride on a nostalgic funicular dating back to 1893, and the second part you experience in the ultra-modern CabriO cable car, a double-decker gondola with an outdoor area....

Offered by Swiss Activities: www.swissactivities.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Open-Air Majesty: The Stanserhorn Cabrio Experience from Luzern
MountainsGuided day tour
Experience Alpine Majesty: Join our exclusive small group afternoon tour from Luzern to the enchanting town of Stans, followed by a thrilling ascent to the majestic Stanserhorn peak. Journey by train through picturesque Swiss landscapes, then ascend via the iconic Stanserhornbahn cable car, where panoramic views await. Limited spots ensure …

Offered by Viator: www.viator.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Lowest Price Guarantee: Viator will refund the difference if you find a better price.
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
This list includes external links to our trusted partners.

Promotions Copy link to clipboard

Klook promo code
Promo Code for activities in Switzerland
This promotion ends 31 March 2024

Apply promo code MYSWISSALPS5OFF for a 5% discount on all activities in Switzerland. That includes Glacier 3000, Grindelwald-First, Jungfraujoch, Matterhorn, Pilatus, Rhine Falls, Titlis, and much more.

  • Exclusive offer to residents of the EU and UK.
  • Only works for your first booking with Klook.
  • The minimum booking value is GBP 80, or its equivalent in your local currency.
  • The maximum discount is GBP 8, or its equivalent in your local currency.
These promotions are offered by our trusted partners.
Find other promotions

Save money with your rail pass Copy link to clipboard

The below rail passes offer discounts or even free traveling to Stanserhorn.

PassDiscount
Day Pass Free:
  • Stans to Stanserhorn (funicular + cableway)
Eurail Global Pass Discount 25%:
  • Stans to Stanserhorn (funicular + cableway)
Interrail Switzerland Pass Discount 25%:
  • Stans to Stanserhorn (funicular + cableway)
Saver Day Pass Free:
  • Stans to Stanserhorn (funicular + cableway)
Swiss Half Fare Card Discount 50%:
  • Stans to Stanserhorn (funicular + cableway)
Swiss Travel Pass Free:
  • Stans to Stanserhorn (funicular + cableway)
Swiss Travel Pass Flex Free:
  • Stans to Stanserhorn (funicular + cableway)
Tell-Pass Summer Free:
  • Stans to Stanserhorn (funicular + cableway)

How to reach the Stanserhorn: directions and map Copy link to clipboard

SBB|CFF|FFS
From
To
Via (optional)
Via (optional)
Departure date
Example: 01.07.= 1 July
Departure time
Example: 13:15=1:15 PM

How does the timetable work?

Traveling to Stans

The trip starts in Stans, a village at about 20 minutes by train from Lucerne. Stans can be reached by train, bus, or car. Alternatively, you can take a boat to Stansstad and hop on a train to Stans there.

It's a 5-minute walk to the funicular valley station from the rail station of Stans. The easy route is indicated by signposts.

The trip from Stans to Kälti and Stanserhorn

You will first board a historical wooden funicular that takes you to the mid-station of Kälti, at an altitude of 710 m. From there, the double-deck cable car CabriO will take you up to 1848 m.

Standing on the open roof of the CabriO is highly recommended: the views over Lake Lucerne and toward the top are spectacular.

Map with the funicular and cableway route to Stanserhorn

Maps are available to members only
Check out all the benefits members have access to
Create a free account
Map

Operation dates, schedules, and timetable Copy link to clipboard

2024 operating dates for Stanserhorn

The funicular and cable car operate from 13 April until 24 November 2024.

2024 operation hours

The first funicular leaves Stans at 08:15. The last cable car down departs from Stanserhorn at 17:15. The funciular and cable car mostly depart with 30-minute intervals.

2024 evening rides

From early May until late October, you can make special evening rides on Thursdays, Fridays, and/or Saturdays. These allow you to enjoy a pre-booked special dinner, or to spontaneously grab a bite in the self-service restaurant.

Find exact dates through the links here.

Planning your trip in the timetable

You can use the Stanserhorn timetables (see the links here), or plan your entire trip with Swiss timetable. Use these names:

  • "Stanserhorn" for the mountain destination
  • "Stans" for the rail station of Stans
  • "Stans (Stanserhornbahn)" for the funicular valley station
  • "Kälti" for the mid-station at which you transfer from the funicular to the cable car

Best season for Stanserhorn Copy link to clipboard

Stanserhorn can be reached from mid April to mid November. We think this entire period is suitable for a visit:

  • Our personal favorites are late-April, May and June. During this spring season there's enough snow left on the peaks of the Central and Bernese Alps to create a beautiful contrast with the green valleys.
  • July, August and September are perfect for a refreshing mountain visit. They're also the best months for high-altitude hikes in the Stanserhorn area.
  • October and November are beautiful because of the autumn colours setting in. The top will usually be much quieter than in summer. Stanserhorn stands out for a visit in late October and early November: quite some mountain transport shuts down for operation breaks from mid-October, but Stanserhorn is accessible a few weeks longer than that.

Weather forecast and tips for Stanserhorn Copy link to clipboard

Check the weather forecast to make sure it will be clear enough to enjoy the views from Stanserhorn. Make sure you dress appropriately: it can be cold and windy at the top. Standing on the open deck of the CabriO cable car can quickly cool you down as well.

If you plan to hike, please prepare well.

Weather reports are available to members only
Check out all the benefits members have access to
Create a free account
Weather forecast

What to see and do at Stanserhorn

  • A wide view unfolds at the top. You can see the Pilatus west of you, Lake Lucerne with Mount Rigi in the north, and the Bernese Alps in the south.
  • The star-shaped panoramic restaurant ‘Rondorama’ has a section with a revolving floor, allowing you to view the 360° panorama in 45 minutes without leaving your seat. Regular seats directly at the windows are available too. You can choose your drinks, pastries or hot dishes from the self-service section.
  • On many Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, you can enjoy dinner in the restaurant. If you prefer joining one of the special culinary offers (such as the romantic candlelight dinner), rather than using the self-service restaurant, you should book your table in advance. The last cable car ride down is around 11 pm on these nights.
  • You can make a 30-minute walk to the summit, but Stanserhorn is also the starting point for much longer hikes into the valley.
  • You can book a thrilling tandem paragliding or delta flight from the mountain ridge to the valley. You’ll land near Stans.
  • There’s a small marmot zoo, but it’s not guaranteed you’ll actually spot these mountain animals.
  • A designated “lazy zone” at the top allows you to take in the panorama from comfortable lounge chairs.

Other activities to do on the same day

If you limit your time at Stanserhorn somewhat, you’ll have plenty of time to add an additional excursion in the Lake Lucerne area. Our suggestions after you’ve traveled down to Stansstad:

You could even add a trip to Rigi, even though the boat or train ride to one of its valley stations takes a bit longer. We feel that Titlis is a bit far off to add to a Stanserhorn trip, but it’s doable if you plan well.

Stanserhorn, Pilatus, Titlis or Rigi: how to choose

There are several mountains near Lucerne. In our opinion, these are the pros of Stanserhorn:

  • The entire trip is for free with a Swiss Travel Pass. Rigi is too, but Pilatus and Titlis are discounted and not for free.
  • It’s a relatively quick trip from Lucerne. You can reach the top in just 45 to 60 minutes. This means you can combine your Stanserhorn excursion with other activities within one day.
  • The open-deck cable car ride of the CabriO is unique. We love the combination of wide-reaching panoramic views, and interesting glimpses of the cable engineering.
  • The rotating restaurant at the top is a very nice bonus!

Other websites of interest

Schedules

Prices

Our guides for activities close to Stanserhorn Copy link to clipboard

Spreuer Bridge and town wall in Lucerne

Town walk Lucerne

Easy city walk across the Old Town of Lucerne with famous and less-visited spots. See the City Wall, the Chapel …
Boat on Lake Lucerne near the village of Weggis

Boat Lake Lucerne

Many boat rides are available on the large Lake Lucerne all year round. We explain what they cost, how to …
Central and Bernese Alps from Rigi Kulm

Rigi

The Rigi area can be reached by cogwheel train and offers magnificent views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. Prepare …
Dragon Ride cable car to Pilatus above Lake Lucerne

Pilatus

Pilatus is a famous mountain close to Lucerne, with magnificent views over the lake area and the mountains of Central …
Rotair cable car to summit of Titlis

Titlis

Mount Titlis at 3032 m can be reached a by revolving cable car. Enjoy the high-alpine scenery, the suspension bridge …
View over Lake Lucerne and Rigi from Bürgenstock

Bürgenstock

The Bürgenstock ridge above Lake Lucerne has luxurious hotels, restaurants, fantastic views and the famous Hammetschwand lift. We share our …

About Lucerne and Lake Lucerne Copy link to clipboard

Chapel Bridge/Kapellbrücke over river Reuss in Lucerne

Lucerne

Lucerne is an appealing city in Central Switzerland. It's ideal for first-time visitors: the historic town center, lake and nearby …
Lake Lucerne region seen from Stanserhorn

Lake Lucerne

The Lake Lucerne region in Central Switzerland is a wonderful holiday area close to Zurich. The large lake, the city …

About MySwissAlps

We’re passionate tourists and locals. We share tips about how to plan a trip to Switzerland. MySwissAlps was founded in 2002.

Get a free account for a worry-free trip

  • Join our 10610 members and ask us questions in the forum
  • Access to member-only promotions
  • Detailed maps and weather forecasts

Planning your first Switzerland adventure?

Get a jump-start with Annika’s 20-minute e-mail course, “Switzerland for beginners”. Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock the course.

Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.