Mt. Stanserhorn’s CabriO cable car is the first in the world to boast a roofless upper deck, bringing you closer to the Swiss landscape. Breathe in fresh Alpine air as you ascend to the 6,227-foot (1,898-meter) summit and enjoy panoramic views of the mountain towns, lakes, and meadows below.
The Basics
To get to the CabriO station in Kälti, you first need to ride Oldtimer Funicular Train up the mountainside from Stans—tickets include both journeys. The cable car ride takes around six minutes, so early birds can enjoy plenty of time to explore the peak’s walking trail, chat with a Stanserhorn Ranger, or have a meal at the Revolving Restaurant Rondorama, a mountaintop eatery offering prime views of the region from its revolving dining platform.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Book your tickets in advance to avoid on-the-day disappointment, as Stanserhorn is popular.
- The cable car’s lower deck is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
- One-way tickets are available for purchase, though the hiking route is only recommended for experienced mountaineers.
How to Get There
The town of Stans is 7 miles (11 kilometers) from Lucerne for a 15-minute drive. Public parking is available at the main train station for a steep fee. Alternatively, a 20-minute train ride from Lucerne will drop you at the main station, from where you cross over the road to Stanserhorn Station to be whisked up to Kälti’s cable car terminal via 19th-century funicular.
When to Get There
High season offers expansive late spring and summer vistas. Travellers looking for a quieter Alpine experience should visit in April, when the crowds are smaller. Early birds can take advantage of Good Morning tickets, which provide discounted access, minimized wait times, and preferential seating in the first hour of opening. All mountain services, including the CapriO cable car, close over winter and reopen in spring.
Swiss Travel Pass
Look out for Swiss Travel Pass packages, which include return journeys on both the CabriO cable car and Oldtimer Funicular Train, as well as several more Swiss excursions in one ticket. Ideal if you are on a budget, these packages usually include unlimited use of public transport, free access to more than 500 museums, and discounts on a variety of other experiences, and can be booked for a time period of your choice.
