Riding On A Cable Car Roof to Mannlichen Switzerland
Mannlichen is one of our kids’ favorite parts of our last Swiss Apls vacation. And the ride on top of a cable car from Wengen was one of the most incredible things we’ve done!
Once there, this mountaintop location has breathtaking views and incredible hiking trails.
What is Mannlichen?
Mannlichen is a prominent mountain peak situated in the Bernese Alps. The summit towers at an impressive 2,343 meters above sea level, offering unrivaled panoramic views of the Jungfrau region.
Mannlichen Aerial Cableway
The Männlichen Aerial Cableway leaves from Wengen, just above the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The beautiful car-free village of Wengen is a scenic small town, although it’s very quiet. We stayed there for four nights on our last trip.
In the picture below, we’ve just left Wengen heading up the mountain to Mannlichen.
This modern cable car features a rooftop viewing platform; you can ride up there when it’s moving. It’s like you’re flying through the Swiss Alps!
The ride to Mannlichen takes about 10 minutes, and the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are worth every second.
Booking your tickets in advance can be a good idea, as the Royal Ride can get popular during the high season, but we had no problem walking right on during late May.
On one of the trips, we had the rooftop to ourselves, as you can see in the video below:
Booking your tickets in advance can be a good idea, as the Royal Ride can get popular during the high season, but we had no problem walking right on during late May.
Parking and Public Transportation
If you’re driving, several public car parks are available in Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen. Check out the Parkhaus Eiger and Parkhaus Sportzentrum for convenient parking options. But if you prefer public transportation, consider investing in a Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited access to trains, buses, and cable cars.
Playground Fun
Once you’re at the top, there’s plenty to do, including a big playground.
The playground is near the cable car station and offers hours of fun. At this elevation, the weather is nice and cool in the summertime. We spent hours here during our several trips to Mannlichen.
During our late May visit, our kids could have spent all day playing on the playground, with temperatures in the 50s.
This play area features swings, slides, and climbing structures. It has to have the best views of any playground we’ve been to!
With the Royal Ride and the playground combination, Mannlichen caters to families looking for a memorable Swiss Alps experience. So, gather your family and embark on an adventure that offers something for everyone!
Royal Walk: A Short, Steep Hike with great views
For a short but challenging hike, tackle the Royal Walk. Starting at the cable car station, this uphill trail leads you to the Männlichen Summit. The reward? Breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains!
The trail is a wide gravel path, though it gets too steep to push a stroller up as you get closer to the peak.
Another popular hike in Mannlichen is the Panorama Trail.
This longer hike takes you from Mannlichen to Kleine Scheidegg, offering great views of the surrounding mountain peaks and the Lauterbrunnen Valley. The trail is well-marked and stroller-friendly.
Best Time to Visit
The best time of year to visit Mannlichen is between June and September when the weather is warm, and the hiking trails are accessible. Even in late May, we found some leftover snow!
Modern Facilities and Dining Options
During your visit to Mannlichen, you’ll find a range of modern facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The Männlichen Gondola Cableway station has restrooms, information points, and a restaurant to refuel before or after your hike. The Panoramic Restaurant at the summit offers delicious Swiss cuisine, allowing you to dine with a view that’s hard to beat!
Snow Sports and More
Mannlichen turns into a winter wonderland during the winter months, attracting snow sports enthusiasts worldwide. With a state-of-the-art snowmaking system and well-maintained slopes, you’re in for a thrilling experience!
In Conclusion
Mannlichen is a lesser-known attraction in the Swiss Alps. Its stunning landscape, family-friendly hiking trails, and amazing cable car ride make it the perfect destination for parents and kids.
