Stanserhorn CabriO Cable Car from Lucerne: Open-air summit views

Climb aboard a 1893 funicular, then dine while circling Swiss summit views.

The Stanserhorn CabriO is a cable car ticket from Lucerne to a 3,000-meter Alpine summit, combining a historic 1893 funicular with the world's only open-air upper deck. You ride up, walk a 30-minute trail around the peak, and descend past 100 kilometers of Swiss Alps and 10 lakes visible from the car. A revolving restaurant and ranger-led information are included. The ticket exchanges at the valley station in Stans, 15 minutes from Lucerne.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stanserhorn mountain experience

• Take historic funicular railway
• Ride CabriO open-air cable car
• Enjoy panoramic summit views
• Explore 30-minute summit trail
• Meet Stanserhorn Rangers
• Relax in revolving restaurant

The experience

Stanserhorn sits 15 minutes from Lucerne by car or train. The journey starts on a vintage funicular railway built in 1893 (a narrow-gauge track climbing through forest and meadow), then transfers to the CabriO cable car, where the upper cabin has no roof or walls. The open deck means you're exposed to wind and weather on the ascent, and the 360-degree panorama unfolds as you rise: the Lucerne valley below, then the Alps filling the horizon in every direction, then the 10 Swiss lakes scattered across the landscape below.

At the summit, a 30-minute walking trail loops around the peak. Stanserhorn Rangers are stationed on the mountain daily and will answer questions about the local flora, the mountain's geology, or the railway's history if you encounter them. The trail is graded for all fitness levels and takes in the full summit view without technical climbing. After the walk, the self-service revolving restaurant Rondorama serves regional specialties. It completes one full rotation every 45 minutes, so the scenery moves around you while you eat.

The ticket must be exchanged at the valley station counter in Stans before boarding. A timed boarding pass (time reservation) can be purchased separately to guarantee your departure slot, which is useful on busy days. The whole experience runs between two and six hours depending on how long you spend on the summit and in the restaurant.

What’s included

• Entry to the Stanserhorn summit via the 1893 funicular and CabriO cable car.
• access to the 30-minute summit trail.
• revolving restaurant at the peak.
• information and assistance from the Stanserhorn Rangers.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 22 Nov

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Mt Stanserhorn-Railway

Is this one for you?Solo travelers and small groups will find the open-air cable car and self-guided summit walk straightforward. Families with children from age 6 can manage the trail and restaurant without a guide, and the Rangers are available if you want to learn about the mountain.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

How long does the cable car ride take from the valley to the summit?

The CabriO ascent takes roughly 15 minutes from the Stans valley station to the Stanserhorn summit at 3,000 meters.

What is the 30-minute summit trail like?

The summit trail is a walking loop around the peak suitable for all fitness levels, offering 360-degree views of the Alps and the 10 lakes below without any technical climbing required.

Can I eat at the summit?

Yes, the Rondorama revolving restaurant at the summit serves regional specialties and rotates one full turn every 45 minutes, so the scenery moves around you as you dine.

Do I need to book a time slot in advance?

The ticket itself grants entry, but you can purchase a separate timed boarding pass to reserve a specific departure time, which is recommended on busy days.

How far is Stanserhorn from Lucerne?

Stanserhorn is 15 minutes from Lucerne by car or public transportation. The valley station is in Stans, and you exchange your ticket there before boarding.

Are there guides on the mountain?

Stanserhorn Rangers are present on the summit daily and will share knowledge about the local flora, fauna, geography, and the railway's history if you ask them during your visit.