Trip to Stanserhorn

Since my husband and I moved to Lucerne, we’ve visited most of the popular mountains in central Switzerland. 1898 meters high Stanserhorn is the latest summit of this area we’ve conquered few weeks ago.

Views from Stanserhorn

Stanserhorn can be found in the canton Nidwalden and is one of many Swiss mountains that can be reached by public transport. A funicular railway and cable car from the town of Stans can take you all the way to the top. There is also plenty of hiking trails, but as I suffered from minor knee injury, we opted for easier option – public transport.

Valley station of Stanserhorn railway is located in lovely historical building

Swiss Railways (SBB) offer plenty of discounted trip offers, including trip to Stanserhorn. Thanks to the additional 50% discount voucher we received from our local grocery store, we were able to bought super discounted tickets at the SBB counter at the Lucerne train station.

Cabrio Cable car to Stanserhorn

Our trip began with 20 minutes train ride from Lucerne to Stans. In Stans we followed the signs to the valley station of Stanserhorn bahn. There we’ve boarded lovely historical funicular railway. The first section of the ascent took us from Stans town to the intermediate station at Kälti. While we were passing low pastures above the town, we were able to enjoy the lovely panoramic views. The higher we got, the better the views were.

Lovely historical funicular railway took us to the middle station at Kälti

At Kälti we changed the railway for the cable car – cable car with open top deck. Despite the ride wasn’t much different from a ride with regular cable car, it was fun and interesting experience.

Stanserhorn Cabro Cable Car

After we’ve reached the top station at Stanserhorn, we strolled to the viewing platform and admired the spectacular views towards the Alps.

The views from the viewing platform were amazing

 

Then we followed the trail to the highest point of the summit. On the way there there we stopped by the marmots enclosure. Those cute rodents were very active. We spent some time observing them digging holes and interacting with each other. They were such a cute creatures.

Marmots fighting for a space in hole they dug

After we had enough of hanging out with marmots, we continued our walk to the top of Stanserhorn. Again, we admired the panoramic views. Those in direction of the city of Lucerne, Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) and the surrounding mountains impressed me the most.

From left to right: Mount Pilatus, Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), Bürgenstock and Mount Rigi

When we had enough of scenic views, we returned to the cable car station. We wanted to grab something to eat, but unfortunately we were too late to get warm lunch. Therefore, we’ve only exchanged the vouchers we received as part of SBB offer for drinks. Before we head back down to the valley we’ve chilled out at the wooden deck chairs at the restaurant terrace.

Fantastic views from Stanserhorn

Trip to Stanserhorn is a nice day trip from Lucerne. It is not as high as Mount Pilatus, but the views from the top are no less spectacular. Also, the ride to the top is as scenic and exciting as the ride to more popular Pilatus or Rigi. If you ever find yourself in the Lucerne area, I would recommend visiting Stanserhorn.

Even lower part of the ascent to Stanserhorn is scenic

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

How to get to Stanserhorn?

By public transport:
By train: Take the train from Lucerne to Stans, then follow the signs to the valley station Stanserhorn Bahn (cc. 5 minutes walk).
By boat & train: Take the boat to Stansstad. From Stansstad you take the train to Stans.

By car:
Follow the A2 motorway in the direction of Gotthard. Take the exit at Stans-Nord. Follow the directions to the town centre of Stans. The Stanserhorn station is on the right-hand side.