Bannalp theme trail for children

This gorgeous lake has a fun theme trail for families, that tells a story on picture boards along the trail, about children searching for a magic crystal and the dwarfs who protected it.

There are interactive play elements along the trail accompanying the story. This is an especially good option for children learning how to hike.

Besides the attractions for kids, the trail circles a beautiful lake surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks. There is a fantastic picnic area with tables and fire pits next to the lake, which also has a giant marble run. It’s a great day out for the whole family.

Overview

This map shows the key elements of the outing. 

Suggested flow to day:

1. Take a train to Wolfenschiessen, then a bus to Oberrickenbach, Talstat. LFCH
   Or drive to Fell and park next to cable car station.
2. Ride cable car up to Chrüzhütte.
3. Hike down to Bannalpsee lake on the kids trail or scenic trail.
4. Hike around lake ending at the Bannalpsee cable car.
5. Ride down to Fellboden and walk to bus stop or car. Return home the way you came.

Hiking map

There are two small cable cars servicing the hiking area. You will ride up the Fell-Chrüzhütte cable car (the first one you come to when driving), then hike the dwarf trail down to the lake, where you’ll find the picnic area.

Then continue around the lake to the Fellboden-Bannalpsee cable car, which takes you back down to the valley, with a short walk back the parking and bus stop at first cable car.

This trail is The first half of the trail is a narrow mountain trail, not suitable for strollers, though we took ours and we made it. When you reach the lake, the trail widens into a dirt road.

How to get there

This trail is located at Bannalp, a small mountain resort near Lucerne (see on Google Maps). You access the trail with a cable car.

By car:

Drive to the small village Fell and keep driving to almost the end of the road. Park in the small lot next to the first cable car you see, Fell-Chrüzhütte (46°53’00.0″N 8°25’14.4″E). From Lucerne, about 30 min drive.

By public transport:

Take a train to Wolfenschiessen, then a bus to Oberrickenbach, Talstat. LFCH. The cable car station is adjacent to the bus stop. From Lucerne, about 50 mins.

Planning your day

Ticket prices

Purchase a return ticket at the Fell-Chrüzhütte valley station. This includes travel on either cable car. 

In 2024, a round trip ticket costs CHF 23/adult, CHF 11.50/child aged 6-16, under 6 free. Dogs CHF 9. No discounts for travel cards. But it is free with the Tell Pass. See current prices.

Opening Times

Summer season at Bannalp is typically mid May through end of October, when the cable car runs daily. They usually open on weekends starting end of April.

The Fell-Chrüzhütte cable car runs every 30 mins. If it’s busy, they will run more frequently. Check the website for the current schedule.

The Fellboden-Bannalpsee cable car runs less frequently. But you can call the base station (using a provided service phone) to let them know you are ready to go. They usually ask how many people you are. With at least 3 people, they will usually just run the cable car immediately. 

If this second cable car isn’t running, just hike back up to Chrüzhütte and ride that cable car instead.

Where to eat

I’d suggest grilling at the picnic area by the river that flows into the lake. There are tables, multiple fire pits, wood to burn, and a play area for the kids. Alternatively, you could eat at the Berggasthaus Bannalpsee when you first reach the lake.

Photo story

Let’s assume you’ve made it to Chrüzhutte (good job!), the top of the first cable car. To your right, you’ll see the start of the Zwärgliweg, through the colorful gates shown above.

Here is the Zwärgliweg mural showing the magic crystal featured in the story told along the trail.

Each play station tells part of the story. If you don’t understand much German, be prepared to make up your own story as you go along. This station had a little dwarf house to play in.

The first half of the trail is narrow and rocky. We took our all-terrain stroller and managed, but it was a bumpy ride.

One of the seven play stations.

Here’s the view from the play station down to the lake. I was happy we didn’t have to walk back up.

This station showed how to find faces and figures in the mountain

Lots of little wooden dwarfs were hidden along the trail, motivating our son to keep walking. Last time we went some of them were missing. I hope they are still there when you go.

Making our way down to the lake.

Eventually the trail reaches the lake, with this lovely view.

There is a big picnic area here, with a few tables and grills scattered along the shore and river. Most times we’ve been here it’s been empty. But on one hot summer Saturday, every table was full.

There are sheds full of wood for grilling. These may be empty outside high season.

My boys loved this marble run with golf balls. I hope this is still there when you go.

The water is very chilly, but on hot days, you’ll see people splashing around. We brought swimsuits and our boys got quite wet in the river.

The boys also had fun building channels in the river with rocks.

Getting back on the trail, heading around the lake.

Looking back to the picnic place on the far side of the lake and the “shark tooth” peaks in the distance.

The last dwarf station near the end of the trail. The story says the crystal was hidden in the mountain somewhere. I wish I had known the story beforehand so I could have brought a red crystal and cleverly hid it for my son to find at the end of the trail. Required photo opp.

Near the end of the trail.

Waterfalls and wildflowers.

View near the end of the trail around the lake. The big building straight across is a hotel and restaurant. To get back down to your car, you walk across the dam on the left and then down to your left about 1 min to the second cable car.

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