The Stäuben Falls is a huge waterfall south of Lucerne, in a narrow valley surrounded by tall mountains. We like to go in late May when the meadows near the falls are bursting with wildflowers.

There are two ways to get there: an easy walk up the valley or a mountain hike.

A: Easy Walk to the Falls

You can reach the falls with an easy walk up a country road, about 1 hour. Near a small cluster of farm houses, these powerful falls spill off the cliff walls into the river. A short walk from the falls, there is a restaurant and nice picnic area with tables and grill.

Easy trail: easy • 6km there & back • 2h • 200m up & down See trail map.

B: Mountain Hike to the Falls

Alternatively, you can ride a cable car up the mountain and hike above the falls. After taking in some breathtaking views at the higher elevation, you loop down to the valley and visit the falls before following the road back to your starting point.

For the mountain hike, you would need a one-way ticket for the Ribi-Wannelen cable car, CHF 8/adult the last time we went.

Mountain trail: moderate • 2h30 • 8.3km loop • 150m up, 650m down See trail map.

Read our full article about Stäuben Falls.

How to get there

For either hike, you'll need to get to the tiny village Unterschächen, south of Lucerne, Switzerland.

If you are taking the cable car, there is a small parking lot next to the Ribi-Wannelen cable car. If you are not using the cable car or this lot is full, there is an overflow parking nearby along the main road (see on map).

By public transport, take a bus to Unterschächen, Ribi, which drops off very close to the cable car. Note that before the end of June, this bus runs very infrequently, only a couple times a day. So check the schedule on SBB.ch carefully.