Sarnen

Things to do in Sarnen

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Sarnen

View all Attractions
Mount Pilatus
No. 14 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Switzerland

Mount Pilatus

6
4.8/5
141 reviews

Mount Pilatus (Lucerne) Main peakPilatus Kulm at an elevation of 2,132m, also known as Dragon Mountain, a landmark of Lucerne; key highlights:The world's steepest cog railway (maximum gradient of 48%), golden/silver circular tour route, 360° Alpine panorama. Official route diagram (golden & silver tour) Map legend - Blue: Lucerne cruise Luzern ↔ Alpnachstad (Golden circle usage) - Black: Ground train Luzern ↔ Alpnachstad (Silver circle replacement cruise usage) - Red: The world's steepest cogwheel railway Alpnachstad ↔ Pilatus Kulm - Green: Cable car system Dragon Ride aerial cable car + panorama gondola Pilatus Kulm ↔ Fräkmüntegg ↔ Kriens - Yellow: bus Kriens ↔ Lucerne city center Basic operation info 1. Alpnachstad (base of cogwheel train): Cogwheel railway operates from 5.11 to 11.29, closed in winter. Uphill trip takes 30 mins. For better views, sit on the right side when taking the cogwheel train uphill. 2. Kriens (cable car station): The cable car operates year-round, with only short-term maintenance suspensions; Lucerne city bus takes 15 minutes to reach the cable car station. 3. The temperature at the mountaintop is 8–12°C lower than in Lucerne, with strong winds and rapidly changing fog. Even in summer, a jacket is recommended. 4. Official website: pilatus.ch Pilatus Kulm summit attraction 1. 360° panoramic view: On clear days, gaze at 73 Alpine peaks and overlook Lake Lucerne and the old town. 2. Drachenweg Dragon cliff trail: Easy short hike with dragon legend theme. 3. Mountain-top restaurant and hotel with sunrise and sunset views. 4. Fräkmüntegg midway station: Alpine coaster, family-friendly rope park, suitable for families. Three travel routes Route 1 | Golden round trip golden round trip [Classic loop | Summer limited] Official website introduction:Golden round trip Operating condition: Rack railway and cruise services are both available (May–October). The golden round trip is unavailable when the cruise service is suspended.Includes: Lucerne lake cruise + world's steepest cogwheel train ascent + two cable car rides down + bus return to Lucerne, no backtracking, 4 types of transportation ✅Recommended route Cruise from Lucerne pier 2→Alpnachstad →Cogwheel train uphill→Pilatus Kulm summit →Dragon Ride cable car→Fräkmüntegg →Panorama gondola→Kriens →Bus back to Lucerne city center Duration: 5-6h | Adult ticket CHF119.8 ✅ Reverse route (avoid cruise morning rush, prioritize mountain ascent for sea of clouds) Lucerne bus → Kriens → two cable car rides up to Pilatus Kulm → cogwheel train down → Alpnachstad → cruise back to Lucerne pier Pros: Complete lake view experience, signature product; cons: fixed cruise schedule, poor visibility on rainy days. Route 2 | Silver round trip silver round trip [Golden tour alternative | Summer limited] Official website introduction:Silver round trip All routes are consistent with the golden tour, withChanges: Lucerne-Alpnachstad, cruise replaced with a short ground train ride (21 mins), cog railway, cable car, bus all retained ✅Recommended route Ground train from Lucerne station→Alpnachstad →Cogwheel train uphill→Pilatus Kulm →Two cable car rides down to Kriens →Bus back to Lucerne Duration: 4-5h | Adult ticket CHF94.2 ✅Reverse route Bus from Lucerne→Kriens cable car to summit →Cogwheel train down to Alpnachstad →Ground train back to Lucerne Features: Not bound by cruise schedules, with shorter duration and lower fares; suitable for tight schedules or rainy days;Missing Lake Lucerne cruise experience. Route 3 | Kriens cable car round-trip (available year-round, no loop) The only option when the cogwheel is closed in winter, golden/silver round trips unavailable. Bus from Lucerne→Kriens →Panorama gondola→Fräkmüntegg →Dragon Ride cable car directly to Pilatus Kulm; return via cable car back to Kriens. Important business notice 1. Swiss Travel PassExcluding the mountain rack railway and cable carFree boat, bus and ground train at the mountain foot; 50% discount for the mountain climbing section only. You can buy the mountain climbing discount ticket separately without purchasing the full combo ticket. 2.7-8 peak season, cogwheel trainStrongly recommend online seat reservation, the venue is extremely prone to being full with long queues. 3. Golden and silver tours,Rack railway tickets not available during suspension, only selling Kriens cable car round-trip.

Alpnach · 9.3km from Sarnen
Lake Lucerne
No. 3 of Night Attractions in Switzerland

Lake Lucerne

7.3
4.7/5
751 reviews

Lake Lucerne is located in central Switzerland. The German name Vierwaldstättersee means "four forest lakes" and is the birthplace of the Swiss Confederation. The winding shores of the lake connect Lucerne with the surrounding peaks, framing many beautiful landscapes. The city of Lucerne is located on the edge of Lake Lucerne. Every summer, tourists from all over the world will gather here to enjoy the cool feeling in summer. Beautiful lake scenery and shore scenery The dazzling lake water of Lake Lucerne is crystal-like and dazzling, with a poetic and picturesque scene, looking out from the shore of the pier, the steeple cathedral, uniquely shaped houses, renovated like a mushroom cloud The large, bare trees form a colorful picture. There are often swans and water birds circling and playing on the lake, and the color of the lake reflects the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped mountains and the city in the distance. There are many beautiful buildings on the shore of Lake Lucerne. It was a typical European classical building, only five or six stories high, the walls were painted white, light yellow, blue, pink, and brown, and most of the roofs were bright red. The Capel Covered Bridge and the octagonal water tower walk along the lake, and not far away is a striking wooden bridge of more than 200 meters, which spans the lake diagonally. This is the old covered wooden bridge in Europe, the Capel Covered Bridge. There is an octagonal water tower in the middle of the bridge, which is also one of the most remarkable landmarks in Lucerne. There are colorful geranium flowers on the outside of the covered bridge, which looks like a beautiful ribbon from a distance. It is also called "Flower Bridge Water Tower" by many people, and it is a favorite place for couples to take pictures. The upright water tower and the recumbent wooden bridge imprint each other, forming a unique rhythm on Lake Lucerne. There is no hustle and bustle here, there is no back side by side, it is quiet and peaceful. Lake Lucerne Cruise If you want to fully appreciate Lake Lucerne, it is recommended to take a cruise on Lake Lucerne, so that you can have a panoramic view of the scenery on both sides. The boating lake is immersive, and it feels relaxed and happy. The little white sails are like white swans, and the blue lake is like a sapphire inlaid in the city. It is beautiful under the background of snow-capped mountains and white clouds. Very moving and enchanting. Lake Lucerne has a large fleet of ships from all over Switzerland, including antique steam paddlewheels and modern large cruise ships, with routes running all year round. The classic routes include "Lunch Cruise" and "Pilatus Golden Circle" cruise section. In summer, pedal boats can be rented at the confluence of the Reuss River and Lake Lucerne.

Ennetburgen · 19.6km from Sarnen
Titlis
No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Switzerland

Titlis

7.4
4.7/5
327 reviews

Mount Titlis is located in Engelberg, a ski and hot spring resort in Switzerland, south of Lucerne, about 33 kilometers away. Mount Titlis is 3,238 meters above sea level, the highest peak in central Switzerland and a glacier in this region that can be reached within 1 hour.  There are many kinds of things to play in Mount Titlis, such as revolving cable car, rope bridge, glacier flying chair, Titlis Glacier Park, glacier walking, skiing, sledding and so on. The Trübsee Station at 1,800 meters above sea level is the first choice for beginners to experience mountain activities and winter snow sports. Before going to the Titlis Valley Cable Car Station, you can log on to the official website to check whether the relevant facilities are operating normally. There are many themed trails for hiking in the Titlis Mountains in summer, such as Shanhua Trail, Brunei Trail, Laotoule Trail, Knapp Trail, etc. Friends who love hiking can enjoy the country style. From Trübsee, halfway up the mountain, there are several alpine lake hiking routes. In addition, there is a boating program on Lake Trübsee.then transfer to the world's first rotating cable car to the Titlis Peak Station, the whole journey is about 30 minutes. Every cable car station has restaurants on the snow-capped mountains and in the valleys. Whether you want to have a snack or a quick meal, or enjoy a hearty meal, you can find satisfaction here. 360-degree rotating cable car Many people come to Mount Titlis, and it is unforgettable that it is the world's first rotating cable car. The revolving cable car starts from the middle station of the Steiner Cable Car and takes you to the Peak Tram station for a total of 5 minutes,The second-generation rotary cable car launched in 2014 realizes the overall rotation of the pod and a 360-degree floor-to-ceiling view window. During this 5-minute trip, the cable car makes exactly one rotation, giving you a panoramic view of sheer cliffs, deep glacier crevasses and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The Peak Tram Station Facilities The Peak Tram station building has a food store, a chocolate shop, and a photo studio known as "high altitude". You can change into a variety of traditional Swiss national costumes and keep the good times forever. it's here. Exploring the Ice Cave Exploring the ice cave is a super cool experience. The whole ice cave is bathed in the faint blue light of the ten thousand years of ice, and the ghosts are full of fantastic colors. The 150-meter-long ice cave trail divides into several forks in the cave and extends 20 meters below the glacier. Admission to the ice cave is free. Standing on the rope bridge, more than 3,000 meters above sea level and 500-meter-deep cliffs, will make you feel the gorgeous scenery while your heart is racing! The rope bridge tour is free, but will be closed in adverse weather conditions. The StotzigEgg viewpoint is just a short walk on the soft snow from the summit cable car station of the Titlis Rotary Cable Car to the StotzigEgg viewpoint. From here, you can see magnificent views of the central Swiss Alps and the many snow-capped peaks in the distance. In addition to taking the cable car, you can also choose the glacier flying chair. The open chair lifts you gently over pristine snow and ice. On the hanging chair, keep your eyes on your feet, because the majestic glacier world begins with your feet! Jump on a ski ring or sled and zip down the slopes, splashing snowflakes along the way. There are two snow speed skating game slides in the park, which are dedicated to the ski circle and fun. There is also a magic carpet to easily send you back to the starting point. The exact opening conditions depend on the weather.

Gadmen · 20.1km from Sarnen

Experiences you can't miss in Sarnen

Featured Culture & history in Sarnen

View all Culture & history
Lake Sarnen + Unterseen + Harder Kulm + Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region [Adjustable Itinerary]
󱌍
FromAED 3,095.40
Sarnen Audio Tour: Castles, Cloisters & Hidden Stories
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromAED 21.40AED 26.75
Swiss Travel Pass
Trip.Select
󱌍
4.9/5
· 1k reviews· 20.6k booked
English
Official partner
Free cancellation
Book now for today
38 consecutive positive reviews
FromAED 1,137.64
Zurich Old Town + Lake Zurich + Lindt Home of Chocolate 1-day tour [Cruise]
Trip.Select
󱌍
4.4/5
· 5 reviews· 107 booked
Duration: 5.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 378.74
Switzerland Rhine Falls + Stein am Rhein House Painted with Frescoes 1-day tour [Boat ride available/Guide commentary included]
Trip.Select
󱌍
FromAED 315.24
FIFA Museum: Entry Ticket
󱌍
23 booked
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromAED 117.12
1-day tour of Lake Zurich + Zurich Old Town + Grossmunster in Switzerland (with guide)
󱌍
Duration: 4.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
51 travellers saved
FromAED 250.84
Lucerne Swiss Museum of Transport Entrance Ticket
󱌍
4.6/5
· 39 reviews
Duration: 1 day
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 166.16

Featured Food & drink in Sarnen

View all Food & drink
From Zurich: Alpine Winter Horse Carriage Ride & Fondue Private Tour
󱌍
Duration: 7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 5,404.04
Private Bern Old Town & Emmental Cheese Tour from Zurich with Tastings
󱌍
Duration: 8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 2,679.50
From Zurich: City Tour, Lake Cruise & Lindt Chocolate Private Tour
󱌍
Duration: 8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 3,467.59
Private Alsace Wine Tasting & Basel Day Tour from Lucerne
󱌍
Duration: 10 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 7,655.72
From Zurich: Swiss Cheese, Chocolate & Wine Private Tour
󱌍
Duration: 9 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromAED 6,701.00
From Zurich: Private Lucerne Tour, Lake Cruise & Exclusive Fondue
󱌍
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 9,006.72
From Zurich: Alpine Sledging & Private Fondue by the Lake Tour
󱌍
Duration: 7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
FromAED 4,953.70

Featured Outdoor & sports in Sarnen

View all Outdoor & sports
Zurich to Rigi and Lake Lucerne Day Tour
󱌍
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 826.18
Interlaken skydiving experience in Switzerland
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review· 24 booked
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 2,192.12
From Lucerne, Switzerland: Rigi + Lake Lucerne tour (cable car & cogwheel train/boat cruise
󱌍
4.2/5
· 5 reviews
Duration: 8.1 hrs
English
74 travellers saved
FromAED 905.74
AlpinAir Paragliding Interlaken experience
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review· 48 booked
Duration: 1.2 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 869.28
Switzerland Rigi + Lucerne day tour|Includes Cable Car + Cogwheel Train + Lake Lucerne Cruise
󱌍
45 booked
Duration: 8.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
190 travellers saved
FromAED 728.05

Featured Spa & wellness in Sarnen

View all Spa & wellness
From Zurich: Swiss Mountain Thermal Spa & Wellness Private Day Tour
󱌍
Duration: 8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromAED 4,503.36
Vitznau: Train Tickets and Rigi Mineral Baths Day Ticket
󱌍
4.9/5
· 26 reviews
Duration: 7 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
26 consecutive positive reviews
FromAED 413.22
Self-guided: Mount Rigi, Lake Lucerne Cruise and Mountain Spa
󱌍
4.6/5
· 66 reviews
Duration: 7–10 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
90.9% of travelers recommend
FromAED 731.95
Lucerne: Boat Trip, Mount Rigi Train, & Mineral Baths Ticket
󱌍
4.9/5
· 41 reviews
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
95.1% of travelers recommend
FromAED 714.13

Free things to do in Sarnen

What travellers say about Sarnen

user-avatar
我不是李亚鹏13 September 2020
5.0
Mt. Pilatus is an Alpine peak overlooking the famous city of Lucerne in central Switzerland. The Mt. Pilatus Golden Tour is the only tour route in Switzerland that combines lake tours and mountain climbing in a circle using different means of transportation. Mt. Pilatus is 2,132 meters above sea level, 15 kilometers southwest of Lucerne, and is the highest Alpine peak on the shoreline around Lake Lucerne (Lake Lucerne).

Mount Pilatus

user-avatar
横竖是二温小迪8 November 2024
4.0
Maybe I have seen too many pictures online and my expectations are too high. Longjiang disappointed me a little. I think the best part is the part where the train is going to Longjiang, where you can see very beautiful lakes. When I really got off the train, the lakes I saw were all very deep green, not the beautiful blue-green color I saw on the train. I climbed uphill to see the popular S highway and met some uncivilized Chinese people. There are many places on the uphill road where you can't take pictures. There are signs and electric fences blocking it. There was a girl who got into the net and was electrocuted. There were also people who were making loud noises and taking pictures at the door of someone's house, and they were chased away by the dog. It's a pity that we climbed for a long time and didn't take a photo. We were standing quietly by the side waiting. As a result, we waited for a long time and didn't get to see it, and we were also yelled at by the dog. There are very few shops in Longjiang. In order to drink water, we walked to the church to see the shop. It's recommended to bring some water with you.

Lake Lungern

user-avatar
旅の径25 September 2022
4.0
The Lion Monument is a must-see when traveling in Lucerne, Switzerland. In the old town of Lucerne, walk through the bustling streets and enter the simple iron gate. There is a clear lake and a huge cliff. In the center of the cliff, the Lion Monument built in 1821 is clearly visible. In the stone cave carved out in the middle of the 6-meter-high and 10-meter-wide monument, a dying lion lies weakly on the ground, with unyielding resentment in his eyes, sharp arrows piercing his back, and Swiss cross shields scattered around him. Above the lion statue is engraved Latin: Dedicated to the loyal and brave Switzerland; the text below records the moving history commemorated... At that time, Switzerland was a poor small country. Men forced to make a living went to various European countries as mercenaries, and they were loyal to their duties and brave. During the French Revolution in 1792, when the mob attacked the Tuileries Palace in Paris on August 10, all 786 Swiss mercenary officers and soldiers in the guard were killed in order to protect King Louis XVI and the Queen.

Old Town

user-avatar
Prince of Pusan12 November 2023
5.0
most magnificent moment/artwork in public display. Come in late fall when the leaves change.

Lion Monument

user-avatar
Queen 14 August 2022
5.0
Perfect travel itinerary, children have discounts, we remember to buy travel Passed, can have ️ half price discount! Sprinkler shop can help buy tickets ... take the car to buy cable car up the mountain to see the scenery, children also have many activities!

Lake Lucerne

user-avatar
Tania Akter (Sumi)10 April 2025
5.0
Engelberg-Titlis is a breathtaking alpine paradise that stole my heart! The panoramic views from the rotating cable car are absolutely unforgettable. From snow-covered peaks to thrilling glacier activities, every moment felt magical. The Titlis Cliff Walk offered an adrenaline rush with stunning scenery. Engelberg village, with its charming vibes and cozy cafés, added a peaceful touch to the adventure. Whether you're a nature lover or thrill-seeker, this destination is a must-visit.

Titlis

user-avatar
tracy.dgg10 March 2025
5.0
Chapel Bridge in the Rain: A Different Kind of Beauty 🌧️🌉Visiting Chapel Bridge in Lucerne on a rainy day wasn’t the fairytale scene I had imagined, but it had its own charm. The mist over the river, the soft raindrops on the wooden bridge, and the glow of the city lights reflecting on the wet cobblestones made it feel almost dreamlike. Even in the rain, this historic landmark had a quiet, timeless beauty—just with fewer tourists and a more peaceful vibe.#Lucerne #ChapelBridge #RainyDayAdv

Chapel Bridge

user-avatar
Anonymous user29 September 2026
5.0
Purchased package tickets including attractions must be exchanged for paper tickets at the manual counter before use. Package tickets must be purchased at the foot of the mountain; tickets for attractions on the mountain are not sold at the designated areas.

First

Trip Moments in Sarnen

Popular cities near Sarnen

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Sarnen?

Don't miss these attractions in Sarnen: Mount Pilatus, Lake Lungern, and Old Town. If you like Culture & history, try Lake Sarnen + Unterseen + Harder Kulm + Touristik-Museum der Jungfrau-Region [Adjustable Itinerary]. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Restaurant reservation service for the popular Zeughauskeller in Zurich, Switzerland.

You can give Restaurant reservation service for the popular Zeughauskeller in Zurich, Switzerland and From Zurich: Alpine Winter Horse Carriage Ride & Fondue Private Tour a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.