When looking for a hotel in Kriens, start by deciding what you would like to focus on during your stay: forest and trails, excursions with children, or culture and local history. Kriens combines urban life with an Alpine foothills nature experience at the foot of Pilatus; half of the city’s area is forest. Kriens has good public transport connections in all directions, especially to the city of Lucerne.
City, forest and trails
The “Way around Kriens” offers insight into different sides of the city: it leads through urban neighbourhoods to the foot of Pilatus and then through the Hochwald forest, over Sonnenberg and on to Renggloch. The route is divided into seven stages. Sonnenberg also has marked trails and mountain biking routes that can be accessed from various points. Check conditions and permitted routes before setting out on a cycling trip.
The Sonnenberg funicular is also part of the area’s character. Built in 1902, it still runs on its original undercarriage and original rails. From mid-April to 1 November, the easiest way to reach Sonnenberg is on the “little blue train” from Kriens. Those who prefer to walk can try the Helsana Swiss Running Walking Trail, among others: this marked trail is open year-round, around the clock; check trail conditions before setting out.
Excursions on Sonnenberg and Pilatus
The panoramic gondola ride from Kriens takes around 15 minutes to Krienseregg and around 30 minutes to Fräkmüntegg. Krienseregg is home to Pilu Land, an adventure playground where children can climb, slide and swing. The play area is not accessible by car; check current access options before your visit.
Pilu Seilpark, the Pilatus rope park, is located on Fräkmüntegg. Designed for children aged four to seven, it has two courses with continuous safety protection. Check age requirements and operating conditions before planning your visit. The two gondola rides also differ in travel time; the times given are for the journey from Kriens.
On Sonnenberg, the approximately four-kilometre ComicTrail features puzzles, nature highlights and panoramic views; it is designed as an experience trail for families. It begins at the Luzern, Obergütsch station and ends at the mountain station of the Sonnenberg funicular. The Dwarf Trail follows the locations in the children’s book “Der Sonnenzwerg und s blaue Bähnli”: via Kreuzhöhe, past the forestry hut and through Wolfsschlucht, it leads back to the mountain station via Otto-Eder-Platz. The Dwarf Trail is not suitable for pushchairs.
Culture from local history to the present
The Museum im Bellpark hosts changing exhibitions and cultural events. Its local history archive documents how Kriens developed from a village into an urban municipality; the museum is also building a collection of Swiss drawings. Galerie Kriens presents changing exhibitions by professional contemporary artists and focuses on art from Central Switzerland.
The Haus der Instrumente collection includes more than 800 musical instruments. Visitors can play replicas themselves; a particular focus is the art of musical instrument making. Südpol’s programme includes concerts, club nights, and contemporary dance and theatre performances. Südpol Bistro serves fresh lunches made with regional produce.
Hergiswald and Schauensee Castle
Hergiswald pilgrimage church was consecrated in 1662 and is considered a major work of early Baroque sacred art. From the church, the view stretches across the city and lake to Pilatus and Rigi. Hergiswald can be reached on foot, by car or by postbus. From Obernau, a footpath leads there via the old Hergiswald Bridge and the PrĂĽgelweg, which has twenty steles. The postbus runs from Lucerne station or from Kriens towards Eigenthal, stopping at Hergiswald Kirche. Check the timetable before travelling.
Schauensee Castle lies above Kriens. It was first mentioned in a document in the 13th century in connection with the knight Rudolf von Schauensee (1257–1317). The castle complex took its present form in 1750 under its then-owner, the Meyer von Schauensee family. Today, the castle is used and rented out as a cultural and meeting venue; access may vary depending on the event. If you plan to attend an event, check access arrangements in advance.
Vineyard and local produce
The vineyard on Kriens’ Sonnenberg is open to the public, and a walking path runs through it. The Sonnenberg winery offers group tours and tastings of its organic wines from Kriens by prior request. This adds a glimpse of local winemaking to a stay focused on trails and culture.
Discover more destinations: Dierikon, Gisikon, Schwarzenberg, Buchrain, Ebikon, Malters, Vitznau, Schachen
For the main travel overview: Lucerne.
