Visit the Seebodenalp – Family friendly hike between Lucerne and Zurich
- Stefan
- Sep 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 14
Looking for a family-friendly hike in Switzerland with a cable car, marble runs, fire pits, alpine huts, and stunning views? Then you should definitely check out Seebodenalp, a green plateau just above Küssnacht am Rigi, located between Zurich and Lucerne.
Every time I drive the motorway from Zurich to Lucerne, I noticed this big open and green area below the top of Mount Rigi and wondered what it was.
Now I know, it’s Seebodenalp. And it quickly turned into one of our favorite places for a relaxed day in the mountains with kids.
⚠️ Important: Don’t confuse Küssnacht am Rigi with Küsnacht on Lake Zurich — they are completely different places!
The Hike at a Glance
Distance: 5 – 7 km (depending on the loop)
Hiking time: ~1.5 hours pure walking (with kids and marble runs, plan 3–4 hours easily)
Elevation gain: about 180 m / 600 ft
Marble run machines: 11 stations (marble balls cost 10 CHF in 2025)
Facilities: Alpine huts, restaurants, picnic and barbecue areas
Stroller friendly: Only the Panorama Trail (you’ll miss most marble runs)
Season: May to October
Map of the hike: View on SchweizMobil
Marble run info: Official Chugelbahnen Website (german only)
Valley Parking: Google Maps link
Seebodenalp Parking: Google Maps link
Where to Start
Most people take the cable car from Küssnacht am Rigi (search for Luftseilbahn Seebodenalp). There are about 25 spots right next to the valley station, but they fill up quickly on sunny weekends. Otherwise, you can park in town and either walk or catch a bus to the station.
We went on a warm sunny day and found a long queue at the cable car and no parking nearby. So instead, we decided to drive up to Seebodenalp.
Driving up to Seebodenalp
The road up is narrow and a bit steep, but once you reach the top, there’s a huge parking lot with plenty of space. Even on a perfect hiking day, we didn’t struggle to find a spot.
The only tricky part was driving back down — a couple of times we had to reverse and squeeze past cars on tight bends. Still manageable, and having a rear-view camera definitely helped.
If you’re arriving by train, it’s very straightforward: from Küssnacht am Rigi train station, take the short bus ride (Number 508, about 7 minutes) to the stop Küssnacht am Rigi, Seilbahnen, right at the cable car station.
How to Get the Marble Balls
You’ll need special balls for the marble runs. If you take the cable car, you can buy them together with your ticket at the valley station.
If you’re driving or hiking up, there’s also a marble ball vending machine right next to the parking ticket machine at Seebodenalp.
About the Marble Run Trail
The marble run trail is what makes Seebodenalp so much fun for families. The hike combines easy paths with 11 wooden marble machines dotted along the way. Each stop gives kids something to look forward to, making the walk itself feel like a game.
Panorama Trail: Wide, gentle, and stroller-friendly, with views stretching over the lakes.
Forest & Alpine Trail: Includes the main ascent (about 180 m / 600 ft) and most of the marble runs. Not stroller-friendly but definitely the more fun option if you want the full experience.
Along the route you’ll see everything that makes Switzerland special:
Cows and their cow bells
Traditional alpine huts serving snacks and drinks
Fire pits and picnic areas
Beautiful views over Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug
Quiet farms and moorland
A quick note on fire pit etiquette in Switzerland: fire pits are shared spaces. If others arrive while you’re using one, it’s normal to make room so everyone can enjoy the spot together. At Seebodenalp, firewood is neatly stacked near the pits, so you don’t need to bring your own.
Our daughter (5 years old) managed almost the entire trail herself. The only part she needed a bit of help with was the steeper beginning, otherwise she happily walked from one marble run to the next.
Pictures from the Trail
Why Visit Seebodenalp?
Seebodenalp is one of those easy day trips from Zurich or Lucerne that really has it all:
Kids love the marble runs, fire pits, and cows along the way.
Hikers enjoy the views across lakes and mountains.
Foodies can stop in at the alpine huts for a Rösti, cheese platter, or just a drink in the sun.
It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, let the kids explore, and enjoy classic Swiss mountain scenery without committing to a tough hike.
Tip: On weekends, either come early for the cable car or drive up directly to the large parking lot at Seebodenalp. I think at or after lunch time, the cable car is less busy.
Perfect for: Families, beginner hikers, and anyone looking for a relaxed alpine day close to Zurich and Lucerne.
You can also start or finish your trip at Hotel-Restaurant Rigi-Seebodenalp, where the terrace offers incredible views over Küssnacht am Rigi and Lake Lucerne — the perfect spot to enjoy a drink after the hike.
FAQ – Seebodenalp
How long does the Seebodenalp hike take? The pure walking time is about 1.5 hours, but with kids, marble runs, and breaks, plan for 3–4 hours.
Is Seebodenalp stroller friendly? Only the Panorama Trail is stroller-friendly. If you want to experience all the marble runs, you’ll need to leave the stroller behind.
How much do the marble balls cost? Each ball costs 10 CHF (as of 2025). You can buy them at the valley station or from the vending machine at the parking lot.
What’s the easiest way to get there? Take the cable car from Küssnacht am Rigi or drive up to the large Seebodenalp parking lot.
When is the best time to visit? The trails are open from May to October. Weekdays or early mornings on weekends are less crowded.
What else is nearby? Seebodenalp sits right below Mount Rigi, so you can easily combine it with a trip up to the “Queen of the Mountains” if you have more time.
