Switzerland is probably one of the best countries in the world for hiking. From simple easy hikes to intense trails, the Swiss Alps have them all. But what we really loved were the numerous themed trails and countless of alpine playgrounds that keep kids motivated to hike and instil the love for mountains.

Hiking in Switzerland is extremely spectacular and at the same time a little expensive. During our multiple trips to Switzerland we came across some great hiking trails without breaking the bank. One of them is a great option also for kids and conveniently located not too far away from Lucerne.

Hiking from Klewenalp to Stockhutte. This is a one way descending 5.5km hike (if you do it from Klewenalp to Stockhutte and not the other way around). We did this when Eric was 7. The hike starts in Beckenried, where we parked our car in the parking right next to the gondola station. The hike is great if your are based in Lucerne, as the starting point Beckenried is only 18 minutes drive from Lucerne or 35 minutes by train.

The views from the gondola are breathtaking. No worries if it’s too crowded, the same magnificent views can be experienced from Klewenalp station just as you exit the station.

Why is it great for kids? It’s a short hike, less demanding as it is normally descending. There are no-pedal bikes and a track right outside the Klewenalp station. Once the kids are done with the bikes, there’s also a fun playground with obstacles, slides, zipline, etc, where Eric had a lot of fun before we started the hike.

The trail to Stockhutte is on a dirt road that starts next to the playground. Since August 16th 2024, the trail has a 10 new stations with Goldi, the mascot of the Klewenalp-Lake Lucerne region, and his goat Flöckli. Immediately after the first station, the trail splits. To stay on the Goldi themed trail, we followed the path on the right. These stations are super fun and great for kids to keep them going. Eric was thrilled each time when we saw the next station in the distance.

Sadly, the text at each station is only in German, which is why at station number 5 (apparently the milk sorting station) we used the milk barrels to play a game of Tic-Tac-Toe (X and O). Not sure why nor how we were supposed to sort the mile barrels :). The trail splits again, on the right the path is suitable for strollers, while the one on the left is more rocky and slightly ascending for a while before reaching a great view point with a picnic area in Twäregg.

From here, the path is descending again through the forest, with Goldi stations along the way. Eric loved station number 8, where he had to match the bell on the right animal. Immediately after station 8, the path is wider and there is an archery course on both sides of the trail. You will see signs and small yellow and blue flags that mark the archery course. Stay on the trail to avoid being hit by arrows. And keep an eye on the kids as the targets in the archery course are statues of alpine animals such as deers, squirrels and the occasional dinosaurs :)). They might be tempted to leave the trail and go closer to these statues. We actually saw two men shooting with a bow, which was pretty cool to see.

At Stockhutte, there’s a new playground with a long tickle (barefoot) path, trampoline, zipline and a tree top path that ends with a gigantic slide. No-pedal bikes are available here, as well.

From Stockhutte, we rented a bike board and descended all the way down to Emmetten station (roughly 5.7km and 30 minutes depending on how fast you go). The alternative is to ride the gondola down. We have already decided to ride the bikes down, which is why we only purchased a one way ticket from Beckenried to Klewenalp, hiked the Goldi trail from Klewenalp to Stochutte and then rented these bike boards. Kids under 12 ride with an adult. One bike board costs 18 CHF (including helmets for me and Eric) and we payed by card at the Stockhutte gondola ticket office. We had lots of fun all the way down to Emmetten and stopped in several spots along the way to enjoy the views and take photos. The road is paved and bike board signs are in place to signal the way towards the Emmetten gondola station, where we had to return the bike. The road might be used by local cars, so pay attention, especially on the last section that goes through the town.

In Emmetten, we first stoped for our traditional post hike icecream at Ruädis Märcht GmbH, a nice store with local products that had an amazing yogurt and strawberry ice cream (5 CHF, payed by card). From here, we walked towards the bus station at Post https://maps.app.goo.gl/vTdHotbXNQn534E68. Tickets an be bought from the ticket machine and they cost 4.20 CHF/ride (Cards are accepted. Paying on the bus is not available, so you need to buy tickets before boarding the bus from the vending machine). We took bus 311 back to Beckenried and descended at Post station (roughly 15 minutes ride), from where we walked for another 5 minutes to reach the parking next to the gondola station. In Beckeried, once you descend the bus, take a moment to admire the lake. It is possible to go on a ferry ride on the lake starting from here.

A simple map of our entire hiking trip, available in google maps here.

Tips:

1. Online tickets are cheaper, even the evening before. Kids ride for free with a paying adult. We payed 16 CHF for a one way ride from Beckenried to Klewenalp, which would have been 24 CHF at the ticket booths. If you do not intend to ride the bike board down from Stockhutte to Emmetten, then a return gondola ride is more cost effective.
2. Check gondola opening hours and weather, online tickets: https://www.klewenalp.ch
3. If you travel by car, there’s an outdoor parking right next to the gondola in Beckenried (5 CHF/day)