This hike goes around a pretty alpine lake at the Bannalp mountain area near Lucerne. Unknown by tourists, their motto is literally “secret tip.” The trail is short and easy, walking downhill from the cable car station to the lakeshore. Near the water, there is a picnic area with tables and fire pits. For children, there is a theme trail and small play area.
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| Location: | Central Switzerland – Kanton Nidwalden |
| Address: | Fell-Chrüzhütte cable car – Fell 3, 6387 Oberrickenbach |
| Car: | Parking GPS: 46°53’00.0″N 8°25’14.4″E From Lucerne 35 mins, from Zurich 50mins |
| Train: | Bus stop: Oberrickenbach, Talstat. LFCH From Lucerne 40 mins, from Zurich 1hr50 |
| Trail: | 3.5 km loop, about 1 hour walking time |
| Condition: | wide dirt path |
| Skill: | easy, 20m ascent 140m descent |
| Services: | picnic area with fire pits & wood, play area, nearby restaurant |
| Cost 2022: | Cable car round trip: CHF 21 Adult, CHF 12.50 Child SBB Half-fare and Junior cards not accepted |
| Open: | mid-May through October |
| More info: | • webcam |
Location
This trail is located at Bannalp, a small mountain resort near Lucerne in Central Switzerland (see on Google Maps). You can access this area by car or bus, then a cable car to reach the trail.
Bannalp overview
Here is the summer map for Bannalp. There are two small cable cars servicing the hiking area. You ride up the Fell-Chrüzhütte cable car on the left to reach the hike. The hike ends at the top of the second cable car (Fellboden-Bannalpsee). From the bottom of that cable car, it’s a short walk to the parking and bus stop.
Here is a Google Maps view of the trail.
Hiking map
This trail has a wide dirt path. There are a few parts with lumpy uneven terrain, but mostly easy walking.
See trail on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
With children, you may prefer to do the theme trail, which has a few activities along the trail. It follows a different path to get to the lake. See theme trail details.
Getting There
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). Our GPS didn’t have Fell, so you could type in Oberrickenbach instead, which is the bigger town just before you reach Fell.
By public transport: Take a train to Wolfenschiessen, then a bus to Oberrickenbach, Talstat. LFCH. The cable car station is next to the bus stop.
Ticket prices
Purchase a return ticket at the Fell-Chrüzhütte valley station. This includes travel on either cable car.
In 2022, a round trip ticket costs CHF 21/adult, CHF 10.50/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.
Where to eat
You can grill 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, there is a restaurant at the hotel earlier on the trail.
Photo story of the trail
View from the first cable car back down the valley.
Here’s the top of the cable car. The children’s theme trail starts at the colorful painting straight ahead. Our path leads to the left.
Starting the trail
Follow signs to Urnerstafel, which is the hotel before you reach the lake.
Take the lower path, not the one that leads uphill.
This shark tooth peak is part of the Bannalp logo.
Nice photo opp as you start the trail.
Easy downhill to the Urnerstaffel hotel/restaurant
Playground at the hotel
From the Hotel, follow the path to your right that leads down to the water, direction Urnerstafel Rundweg.
In this picture you can see the path leading down to the lake.
Nice views the whole hike.
Picnic area at the lake
The path leads to the water.
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.
Continuing trail to dam
Getting back on the trail, heading around the lake.
Looking back on the picnic area.
The trail is a little lumpy in this part.
Make sure to look back occasionally to enjoy this view.
Last stretch to the dam.
Looking across to another hotel.
Looking back on the trail from the dam.
Crossing the dam. The cable car is on the left right after you cross the dam.
Catch more reflections from this side.
I hope you enjoy this hike!
2 responses
It looks like a great hike! Is it possible with all-terrain stroller?
Thank you
Yes, the route I mapped out in this post could be done with an all terrain stroller. There are a few bumpy parts, but you’ll manage.