Marbachegg – an excursion paradise
Discover a variety of activities and excursions on the Marbachegg: Hiking, mountain biking, cart fun and much more
Welcome to Marbachegg, the ultimate destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers! Situated on the north side of the Schrattenfluh limestone mountain range in the canton of Lucerne, this natural excursion destination offers a wealth of activities and leisure experiences for all ages and tastes.
Whether you're looking to whizz down the fantastic bike trails, go on a leisurely mountain bike tour, enjoy one of the numerous hikes (some of which are also accessible with pushchairs) or experience the thrill of a ride on the Marbachegg carts – Marbachegg has something for everyone.
Be inspired by the picturesque mountain scenery and create unforgettable memories. Ready for your next adventure? On Marbachegg you will not only find a wide range of leisure activities, but also the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and relax.
Travel comfortably by train to Escholzmatt. From there, the post bus will take you to the valley station of the Marbachegg gondola lift.
Marbachegg – a hiking paradise
Enjoy the wonders of nature and breathtaking views while hiking on Marbachegg. The well developed and well marked network of hiking trails offers you a wide range of options. From easy walks to challenging mountain hikes.
Marbachegg–Kemmeribodenbad
Panoramic hike: Marbachegg–Kemmeribodenbad
This hiking route first takes you past the picturesque reservoir in the direction of Ober Lochsitli, then crosses the idyllic paths to Wittenfären and Kadhus. Take the time to make a small diversion at the fork on the left and visit the alpine cheese dairy, where you can sample traditional local cheeses, or continue your hike directly to the cosy alpine pub. Your hiking trail continues via Oberhabchegg to the Lauizug and on to the Schibenhüttli. The challenging, stony path leads you via Ober and Unter Chemmeri to the Grosse Emme valley.
A culinary highlight of the hike awaits you at Landgasthof Kemmeriboden-Bad, where you should definitely try the famous Merängge, freshly cooked in a charcoal oven! After an eventful day, bus no. 251 will pick you up from the bus stop "Kemmeriboden" and take you safely and comfortably back to Marbachegg.
Key data
| Walking route | Marbachegg–Kadhus–Oberhabchegg–Kemmeribodenbad |
| Distance | 8,1 km |
| Walking time | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Elevation difference | Ascent: 227 m Descent: 719 m |
| Level of difficulty | medium |
Tip
Start your hiking excursion with an action-packed ride on the Marbachegg carts. It's worth it! On a wooden piste, you whizz across the alpine meadows of Marbachegg on three- or four-wheeled carts. The rapid descent demands full concentration. Afterwards, enjoy the breathtaking view while the ski lift takes you safely and comfortably back to Marbachegg.
Marbachegg–Bumbach–Schangnau–Marbach
Phenomenal views on the Marbachegg–Bumbach–Schangnau–Marbach hike
Your hike starts directly at the Berggasthaus (mountain inn) and takes you past the idyllic reservoir in the direction of Oberlochsitli and Wittenfärren. At the first crossroads after Oberlochsitli, keep right to get to Unterlochsitli. Shortly after leaving Unterlochsitli, you cross the cantonal border and enter the hilly landscape of the Emmental. Follow the well-signposted paths downhill to the Emme, where you can dip your feet in the refreshing, cool water. The hike continues along the Emme until you reach the Port area. There you cross the river again and continue towards Schangnau. Opposite Gasthof Löwen, follow the signpost to Kemmeriboden-Bad and continue along the Schonbach stream. This route takes you back to Marbach and the valley station of the Marbachegg sports lifts.
Key data
| Walking route | Marbachegg–Bumbach–Schangnau–Marbach |
| Distance | 14 km |
| Walking time | 4 hours |
| Elevation difference | Ascent: 170 m Descent: 770 m |
| Level of difficulty | medium |
Shortcuts are available at the bus stops «Schangnau, Post», «Schangnau, Wald» or «Marbachegg, Talstation». The return journey is by bus no. 251 from the bus stop «Marbach LU, Post».
Tip
Visit the Arche-Hof Schangnau. An Arche-Hof is a facility where you can gain first-hand experiences of endangered farm animals and the methods used to conserve and support them.
Hikes for families and children
Marbachegg also has plenty to offer little explorers.
Bretzeli Photo Orienteering (Bretzeli Foto-OL): a trail for the whole family on Marbachegg
Who doesn't know them, the delicious Kambly Bretzeli from Trubschachen! The delicious biscuits are also part of the Bretzeli Photo Orienteering Trail on Marbachegg. Equipped with the orienteering map, which is available at the mountain station, the whole family sets off in search of the photo posts on the sunny Marbachegg. Here you can find out exciting facts about the leisure activities on Marbachegg and about the popular Kambly Bretzeli. The Photo Orienteering Trail first leads down to the Seeli (little lake), where there is sure to be a post to snap. If you feel like it, you can also take a break here, as there is a great barbecue and picnic area by the reservoir. Continue in the direction of Gassenegg. Keep your eyes peeled, because in summer, funny marmots scurry around here! With a little luck and patience you can hear and see them. From here, follow the path through secluded forests back to Marbachegg.
Key data
| Walking route | Marbachegg–Speichersee–Gassenegg–Marbachegg |
| Distance | 2.1 km |
| Walking time | approx. 1 hour |
| Elevation difference | Ascent: 100 m Descent: 99 m |
| Level of difficulty | easy |
Those who have found all 10 posts and correctly ticked off the orienteering map will receive a small surprise at the mountain or valley station. The Photo Orienteering Trail lasts around 60 to 90 minutes. The Bretzeli Photo Orienteering Trail is not suitable for pushchairs.
Tip
Plan enough time for a picnic! There are lovely barbecue spots along the way.
More family excursions
The Snowli Trail and the Food Trail offer further entertaining and educational ways to discover Marbachegg. And for the more adventurous, there are also exciting trails such as the Clientis Flowtrail and the CKW Jumptrail.
Explore the varied hiking options, ranging from short circular walks to special paths suitable for pushchairs. You can find all the information you need via the link below.
Marbachegg Bike Park
Experience the thrill of mountain biking
Welcome to Marbachegg Bike Park, the gateway to unforgettable adventures right on the doorstep of a breathtaking biosphere reserve. With the impressive Clientis Flowtrail and the spectacular CKW Jumptrail, Marbachegg offers a unique backdrop for mountain bike enthusiasts of all abilities.
The Clientis Flowtrail – fun for the whole family This varied trail is equipped with numerous playful elements that are fun for beginners and experienced mountain-bikers alike. Difficult passages are clearly signposted and can be avoided, making it an ideal experience for young bike fans too. The trail leads from the mountain station to Marbach and offers fantastic views of the surrounding nature in addition to the sporting challenge.
The CKW Jumptrail – Adrenaline rush
For those looking for a real adrenaline kick, the one kilometre long CKW Jumptrail winds its way along the sunny side of Marbachegg. With its spectacular jumps, this trail is ideal for experienced mountain-bikers who want to put their skills to the test. After a speedy descent, the drag lift takes you comfortably to the top – ready for the next round!
Discover the beauty of the Unesco Entlebuch Biosphere. In the centre of the biosphere reserve, Marbachegg offers more than just mountain bike trails. The unspoilt nature trails through lush forests and rugged mountain terrain invite you to discover the local flora and fauna and enjoy the stunning panoramic views.
Dog-friendly Marbachegg
Dogs are welcome on Marbachegg
A whole host of unforgettable experiences await you and your dog on Marbachegg. Together you can discover the variety of hiking trails that this picturesque region has to offer. From leisurely walks to more challenging tours – there is a suitable route for every human-dog team.
Dogs go up for free
Your four-legged friend travels free of charge on the gondola lift from Marbach to Marbachegg! This allows your adventure to get off to a stress-free start without additional costs.
Dog-friendly facilities
At Berggasthaus Marbachegg, furry friends can feel completely at home. Drinking stations ensure that your dog is always refreshed while you enjoy the culinary delights on offer. And if you decide to stay overnight, your dog is very welcome at the mountain inn.
Opening times
Here you will find the operating times for the gondola lift as well as the opening hours for the cart facility and Berggasthaus Marchbachegg.
Marbachegg gondola lift
Early season (9 to 31 May 2024)
| Thurs, Sat | 08.30–17.30 hours |
| Sun | 08.00–17.30 hours |
| Mon–Wed, Fri | only in good weather; please see marbachegg.ch |
High season (1 June to 20 October 2024)
| Mon–Sat |
08.30–17.30 hours |
| Thurs evening only until the end of September |
17.00–20.00 hours (only in good weather; please see marbachegg.ch) |
| Sun | 08.00–17.30 hours |
Please note that during the early season (9 to 31 May 2024), the lift only operates in good weather on Mon–Wed and Fri. Available daily on request for groups and school trips.
Subject to change without prior notice
Marbachegg Cart-Run
Cart-Run
1 June to 20 October 2024
| Mon–Fri |
closed |
| Sat |
12.00–16.30 hours |
| Sun | 10.00–16.30 hours |
Summer vacations: 6 July to 18 August 2024
| daily | 12.00–16.30 hours |
Fall vacations: 28 September to 13 October 2024
| daily | 12.00–16.30 hours |
Additional driving times for groups of 10 or more possible by appointment.
In operation daily during summer vacation (6 July to 18 August 2024) and fall vacation (28 September to 13 October 2024), from 12:00 to 16:30.
Please note: for safety reasons, the Cart Run only operates in dry weather.
Cart rides: for children from the age of 11. Children under 10.99 must be accompanied by an adult.
Subject to change without prior notice
Berggasthaus Marbachegg
| Mon–Sat |
08.30–17.00 hours |
| Sun | 08.00–17.00 hours |
Subject to change without prior notice
Prices Marbachegg gondola lift
In addition to the normal tickets for the gondola lift, there are also combined tickets. These include the gondola lift ride as well as 2 rides on the carts.
Junior and children's tickets are valid on the gondola lift ride, but do not entitle the holder to a discount on the cart tickets.
Marbachegg gondola lift
Gondola lift, one-way
- CHF 18.00 Adults, one-way
- CHF 9.00 Half-Fare travelcard/GA travelcard, one-way
- CHF 15.00 Young people (16-19.99), one-way
- CHF 9.00 Children (6-15.99), one-way
- CHF 15.00 OASI pensioners, one-way
Gondola lift, return
- CHF 26.00 Adults, return
- CHF 13.00 Half-Fare travelcard/GA travelcard, return
- CHF 20.00 Young people (16-19.99), return
- CHF 13.00 Children (6-15.99), return
- CHF 20.00 OASI pensioners, return
Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration
Marbachegg gondola lift incl. Marbachegg Carts
Gondola lift, one-way incl. two Cart rides
- CHF 28.00 Adults
- CHF 18.00 Adults with Half-Fare travelcard / GA travelcard
- CHF 25.00 Young people (16–19.99 years old)
- CHF 18.00 Children (11–15.99 years old)
- CHF 25.00 OASI pensioners
Gondola lift, return incl. two Cart rides
- CHF 34.00 Adults
- CHF 20.00 Adults with Half-Fare travelcard / GA travelcard
- CHF 28.00 Young people (16–19.99 years old)
- CHF 20.00 Children (11–15.99 years old)
- CHF 28.00 OASI pensioners
Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration
Food & Drink
A mountain inn on Marbachegg
The cosy Berggasthaus Marbachegg in the picturesque mountain landscape of Emmental and Entlebuch offers delicious, regional and affordable dishes for sports enthusiasts and all age groups, including specialities such as "Heisse Stei" barbecues or fondue chinoise buffets. In summer, the popular "Älplerzmorge" on Sundays is a highlight. There are also various accommodation options available, including twin rooms, dorm rooms and holiday apartments.
Opening hours
Mon–Sat 08.30–17.00 hours
Sun 08.00–17.00 hours
How to get there
Are you planning a trip to Marbachegg?
Enjoy a relaxed journey by public transport and start your adventure without having to worry about parking. Travelling to the Marbachegg gondola lift is easy and efficient – perfect for a stress-free excursion.
To get to Marbach, take the train to Escholzmatt and from there travel comfortably by post bus directly to Marbach. The entire journey takes just 57 minutes from Lucerne and 61 minutes from Berne. Enjoy the landscapes that pass you by along the way and look forward to the experiences ahead. Once you arrive in Marbach, you are just a few steps away from the gondola lift, which takes you directly to Marbachegg. Take the railway to Escholzmatt, continue by post bus to "Marbachegg, Talstation".
Plan your journey easily with the BLS timetable.
