Ready to swap the crowds for a hidden gem in the Swiss Alps?
Discover why Stanserhorn might outshine Pilatus with these seven unforgettable reasons to add this breathtaking mountain to your itinerary! 🌄✨
1. A Unique Gondola Ride
Stanserhorn features the world’s first open-top double-decker cable car, offering unobstructed 360-degree views during the ascent and descent, of course!
I loved the journey as you get a jaw-dropping view, a bit of a thrill, and clear shots for your camera (instead of trying to shoot through the opaque, scratched windows you typically get in a gondola.
I was a little worried that you need to book the top deck, but it is quite easy to get up there and get a great spot, especially if you get on the gondola first. About half of the people on the gondola can fit on top, and the numbers per gondola are restricted anyway, so it is never jam-packed.
2. Super Affordable
Tickets to Stanserhorn are typically less expensive than those for Pilatus, offering a more budget-friendly option for experiencing Swiss mountains.
And, on top of that, it is FREE if you have the Swiss Travel Pass – which Pilatus certainly cannot beat!
Less crowded: Stanserhorn is generally less touristy than Pilatus, providing a more serene mountain experience.
3. A Touch Of History
A ride to the top of the Stanserhorn involves not only a stunning gondola ride in the open air, but also a trip on one of the most historic funiculars in Switzerland.
Dating back to 1893, it still feels like you are riding in a wagon over 100 years ago with its stunning wood construction, open-air experience, and even fun punchable tickets, just like they used to have.
Note: Another spot with such a historic funicular is Giessbach Falls on Lake Brienz, which is well worth a visit if you are having a day on a lake around Interlaken.
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4. Panoramic Restaurant
The revolving restaurant at the summit offers stunning views while you dine. It completes a full rotation every 43 minutes and with around 100 mountain peaks and ten lakes in view, it will keep you enthralled while you eat.
It was a little cloudy while we were there, but you could still see everything from nearby Pilatus, Bürgenstock and Rigi to the more distant peaks of the Jungfrau region. It is quite impressive!
Note: Another mountain with an impressive rotating restaurant with spectacular views is the Schilthorn above Lauterbrunnen Valley.
5. Wildlife Encounters
Stanserhorn is known for its population of marmots, which visitors can often see close to the summit. You can see a few different enclosures while doing the summit walk, which is highly recommended.
Although these marmots are in an enclosure and not as wild as you might hope, it is still fun to see them if you have never done so before.
Note: A great place to see marmots (and Ibex mountain goats) is the Alpine Wildlife Park just above Harder Kulm in Interlaken.
6. Easy Panoramic Hike
One of the best parts of your visit to Stanserhorn is the 30-minute walk around the peak. It is a wide gravel path that is accessible to anyone (aside from strollers and wheelchairs, as it involves stairs – you can do the first part on the left side) with a little effort.
The views from the top take things to the next level compared to those from the restaurant. There are 360-degree views to Lucerne and south along Lake Sarnen to the Brunig Pass, which takes you to Interlaken. So you also b, and the valley leading to Engelberg to the east. On top of that, you have wide views over most of Lake Lucerne to Gersau, which includes Pilatus, Rigi, and Bürgenstock. Wow, there is so much to see!
7. Hang Gliding With A Pro
There are not many places you can go hang gliding in Switzerland, but on the Stanserhorn, you can take a literal leap of faith with a pro right from the top.
Imagine taking in these sweeping views, but with a birds-eye view!
