The Stanserhorn rises above the town of Stans, south of Lake Lucerne, and its summit is reached by a funicular and then the CabriO, a cable car with an open upper deck that lets you stand in the wind with the whole valley below. The journey from Stans takes about twenty-five minutes, including the funicular to Kälti. At the top a terrace gives views of the lake and the Alps, and there is a revolving restaurant. The mountain is seasonal: it typically opens in April and closes in late November, so it is a spring, summer and autumn ride. Daytime departures from Stans run from early morning to mid-afternoon, roughly every half hour. Evening rides run on set dates in summer. The ticket gives a CabriO admission and is bookable for specific dates, and Swiss Travel Pass holders ride free.
Getting there is part of the plan. Stans is about twenty minutes by train from Lucerne, and the funicular starts in Stans. From there the funicular climbs to Kälti, where you change to the CabriO, a cable car that opens its top deck to the sky in good weather.
In the colder months the open deck is chilly and often windy, so wrap up warmly. The inside cabin is comfortable if you prefer not to stand. Near the end of the season the last weekends are likely to be busy, and tickets with a reserved departure time are recommended.
At the top, a short walk leads to viewpoints over the Alps and the lake. The revolving restaurant lets you eat a long lunch and see the whole panorama. In late autumn the lake often lies under fog while the summit stays clear, a sight many visitors find more memorable than the summer view. Check the webcam and the timetable before you set out, since the operator may change departures with the weather.
Costs and options
The ticket mainly covers the lift, so you travel to Stans yourself, and children and half-fare cardholders pay less. The operator also sells a cheaper early-morning ticket for ascents before about half past nine. If the Stanserhorn has closed for the season, the Rigi railways run all year and make the best alternative for a lake-and-mountain day.
What to expect
The experience
A funicular and open-top CabriO cable car from Stans to the summit, with a viewing terrace and a revolving restaurant.
Best time
A clear morning in season; fog in the lowlands often leaves the summit bright.
How long
Three to four hours from Lucerne, including the train to Stans.
Tips
Reserve a departure time, dress warmly for the open deck and check the webcam before you leave.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A short, unusual mountain ride close to Lucerne.
- Families
- A good first cable car for children, with the open deck as the highlight.
- Couples
- A long lunch in the revolving restaurant with a full turn of the view.
- Pair with
- A lake cruise or the Old Town the same day.
- Time needed
- Half a day from Lucerne.
Good questions
When does the Stanserhorn close for the winter?+
It typically runs from April to late November, so check the operator's calendar for the exact dates in the year you travel.
What is the CabriO?+
It is a cable car with an open upper deck, billed as the world's first open-top double-decker cable car, on the upper section of the climb.
How long is the journey?+
About twenty-five minutes from Stans to the summit, including the funicular to Kälti.
Do Swiss Travel Pass holders ride free?+
Yes, the Swiss Travel Pass is accepted on the Stanserhorn lifts, so holders do not need to buy a ticket.
How do I get to Stans from Lucerne?+
Take the train from Lucerne to Stans, about twenty minutes, and follow the signs to the funicular.
