Best toboggan runs in Switzerland: from Preda-Bergün to Grindelwald

Tobogganing in Switzerland: a serious winter tradition

In most countries, sledging is something children do on a convenient snowy hill. In Switzerland, it is a properly organised winter activity with dedicated runs of multiple kilometres, official timing equipment, rental operations, mountain railway access, and in some cases lighting for night descents. Swiss tobogganing (Schlitteln in German) draws participants of all ages and is taken seriously enough that national competitions exist.

The runs described in this guide are natural mountain slopes prepared for safe toboggan descent, not artificial tracks (which would be the category of the Cresta Run in St. Moritz or the Olympic bobsleigh). You ride a traditional wooden Swiss sled (or a modern plastic equivalent), using your feet for braking and body weight for steering. At the bottom, you either walk back up or take a train, cable car, or funicular for the return to the top.

For families, tobogganing is often one of the most popular winter activities, combining accessible excitement with a manageable physical demand. For adults without children, the longer and steeper runs offer a genuine adrenaline experience. This guide covers the runs in order of size and spectacle.

Preda-Bergün: Switzerland’s longest lit run

The Preda-Bergün run is the benchmark Swiss toboggan run — 6 kilometres long, with 400 metres of vertical descent, following the route of the Albula Railway (a UNESCO World Heritage Line) from the station of Preda down the valley to Bergün. It is entirely lit for night runs, which operate on designated evenings throughout the winter season, and the train that runs the same route makes returning to the top simple.

The run descends through the Albula gorge, weaving around hairpin bends and through forest sections. Speed builds on the straight sections and requires active braking before corners. The combination of length, scenery, and the theatrical experience of descending by torchlight on lit evenings makes Preda-Bergün a legitimately unmissable experience.

The night tobogganing experience: On lit evenings (typically three or four times per week throughout the season — check the current schedule with the tourist office), the run is illuminated and accessible from dusk. The atmosphere is atmospheric and slightly surreal: the white snow corridor lit by arc lights, the forest dark beyond the beam, the sound of runners on snow. A warm meal at the base restaurant completes the evening.

Logistics: Rhaetian Railway train from Chur to Preda (the station before Bergün on the Albula line). The train is covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. Toboggan rental available at Preda station: approximately CHF 10 per sled per day. Return by train from Bergün to Preda. The journey by train takes about 10 minutes in each direction; descending by sled takes 45-60 minutes depending on conditions and speed.

Season: Typically late December to mid-March, depending on snowfall. Check the Bergün Filisur tourism website for current conditions and night run dates.

Faulhorn to Grindelwald First: the Alpine panorama run

The Faulhorn to Grindelwald First route is the most scenically spectacular toboggan descent in Switzerland. The Faulhorn (2,681m) is a classic summit above Grindelwald, and the toboggan run from the Faulhorn Hotel (open in winter on specific dates) down to the First cable car station at 2,168m covers 15km, making it one of the longest toboggan runs in the Alps.

The first section from the Faulhorn summit across the ridge requires hiking or snowshoeing to access (the cable car goes to First, not the summit). From the Faulhorn, the descent runs through the Bachalpsee basin, past the frozen lake (when conditions allow), and down to First. The scenery throughout — the Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Wetterhorn, and Schreckhorn as constant backdrop — is extraordinary.

A shorter and more accessible variant runs from First (2,168m) downward, avoiding the summit approach. This section is typically 3-5km depending on conditions.

Logistics: Cable car from Grindelwald to First. Book your Grindelwald First cable car ticket in advance, especially in high season. Toboggan rental available at First station (CHF 10-15 per day). Helmet rental also available and strongly recommended for the steeper sections.

Difficulty: The descent from First to Grindelwald involves steeper sections and tighter corners than Preda-Bergün. Previous tobogganing experience or at minimum a confident approach to speed and braking is recommended. Not suitable for young children without direct adult supervision.

Grindelwald: prepared village runs

Grindelwald maintains several shorter prepared toboggan runs within and immediately above the village that are suitable for beginners and young children. The run above the village starting near the Kleine Scheidegg railway is the most popular — approximately 3km with well-graded corners and a manageable speed for families.

These village-level runs are accessible on foot or by the Wengernalpbahn, and sled rental is available in the village at multiple locations. The combination of accessibility and Alpine scenery — the Eiger visible throughout the descent — makes these runs excellent for first-time tobogganing.

Engelberg: illuminated night runs

Engelberg, an hour by train from Lucerne, has a dedicated 4km toboggan run from Gerschnialp (1,262m) down to the village. The run is lit for night tobogganing on several evenings per week during the season, typically including music and a fondue or raclette event at the base.

Night tobogganing at Engelberg has become a popular event among the Zurich and Lucerne resident population, and the evenings fill up quickly. The tourist office in Engelberg publishes the schedule of lit evenings; booking a table at the base restaurant in advance is recommended for the fondue event.

Getting there: Train from Lucerne to Engelberg (45 minutes). Swiss Travel Pass covers transport.

Toboggan rental: Available at the Gerschnialp lift station, approximately CHF 10-15 per sled.

Rigi: classic Swiss toboggan runs

The Rigi mountain above Lake Lucerne has toboggan runs accessible from the rack railway stations. The run from Rigi-Staffel to Kaltbad (approximately 3km) is a popular intermediate route with lake views throughout. The Rigi rack railways are covered by the Swiss Travel Pass, making this one of the more economically accessible tobogganing destinations.

The Rigi also hosts a winter snow trail used for both snowshoeing and tobogganing, making it easy to combine activities in a half-day outing from Lucerne.

Davos: the Wolfgang run

The Wolfgang run near Davos is approximately 4km and descends from the Schatzalp area, reached by funicular from the town. The funicular is not covered by the Swiss Travel Pass but is discounted for pass holders. The run is lit for evening descents on designated nights.

Davos also has the famous Parsenn toboggan run from Parsennhütte to Küblis — a long, predominantly gentle descent through alpine terrain. This run is 13km and one of the longest in Switzerland, though it is less defined and marked than the dedicated runs at Preda-Bergün or First.

Appenzell: family tobogganing in rolling country

The Appenzell region offers several family-friendly toboggan runs in the rolling hills east of St. Gallen. The Schwägalp area below the Säntis provides short runs accessible by cable car, and the Kronberg near Appenzell village has a long, gentle run suitable for young children. The cultural interest of the Appenzell region — painted houses, traditional customs, excellent cheese — makes this an attractive option for families combining tobogganing with other activities.

Lucerne region: Diemtigtal and Habkern

For visitors based in Lucerne, several smaller tobogganing areas within 90 minutes by car offer alternatives to the major resort destinations. The Diemtigtal valley south of Spiez and the Habkern plateau above Interlaken are local favourites for families seeking a quiet winter outing without the crowds of major resorts. These locations are harder to reach without a car.

Safety on Swiss toboggan runs

Braking: The standard Swiss Davoser Schlitten (wooden sled) is steered and braked using feet dragged on the snow surface. Learn the technique before beginning — uncontrolled speed on corners is the primary hazard. The mountain sled runs have sections designed with natural braking zones (uphill curves or flat sections), but these cannot substitute for active braking.

Helmets: Strongly recommended on all mountain runs. Required for children under 12 on many official runs. Available for rent at most run bases alongside sleds.

Overtaking: Swiss toboggan runs have informal but observed etiquette — slower sleds stay to the edges, faster sleds overtake in the middle. Shout to warn those ahead before approaching at speed.

Appropriate footwear: Waterproof boots with ankle support. Jeans and trainers are inappropriate — wet and cold conditions are guaranteed on any extended descent.

Night runs: Additional care required as run edges are less visible. Stay on the lit corridor, reduce speed entering shadowed sections, and keep both hands on the sled.

Planning your tobogganing day

Combined activities: Tobogganing pairs well with winter dining — several of the runs described end near mountain restaurants or hut-style venues. The winter hiking and snowshoeing guides cover complementary activities for the same day.

Families: The Preda-Bergün run is excellent for families with children aged 8 and above. The Grindelwald village runs suit younger children. The family activities guide and family ski resorts guide cover the wider context of winter trips with children.

Getting around: The Swiss Travel Pass covers rail access to all the major tobogganing destinations described here. Preda-Bergün is particularly good for Swiss Travel Pass users as the train forms an integral part of the experience (ride down on the sled, take the train back up).

The winter itineraries guide includes tobogganing as part of multi-day programmes in both the Bernese Oberland and the Graubunden regions.

The Swiss toboggan tradition: history and culture

Swiss tobogganing has roots that predate the modern ski industry. Before skiing became the dominant winter mountain activity in the late 19th century, the mountain communities of Graubunden and the Bernese Oberland used wooden sleds — initially for practical transport of hay, goods, and firewood down steep slopes — that evolved into recreational use as tourism developed.

The Davoser Schlitten, the classic Swiss toboggan still used at Preda-Bergün and other traditional runs, was originally developed in Davos in the 1880s. English visitors to Davos (the town was popular with British tuberculosis patients seeking the mountain air cure in the late 19th century) popularised tobogganing as a competitive sport, and the first formal toboggan races were organised on the road between Davos and Küblis. The sport spread quickly through the Alps, and the Cresta Run in St. Moritz — an engineered ice channel specifically for tobogganing — opened in 1884.

The natural mountain runs described in this guide are in direct lineage from those early traditions. The Preda-Bergün course follows the road that existed before the Albula railway was completed, and the run has been used for recreational tobogganing since the railway opened in 1903.

Toboggan types and characteristics

Davoser Schlitten: The traditional wooden Swiss toboggan. Two steel runners on a wooden frame, with a simple rope attached to the front for directional steering (primarily a psychological comfort — actual steering is done with foot pressure and body weight). The runners can be adjusted in width to suit the sled size and user weight. Rented at most Swiss runs for CHF 10-15 per day.

Modern plastic sleds: Widely available and lighter than wooden sleds. Better for shorter runs and occasional use; the Davoser Schlitten provides a more authentic experience on longer mountain runs.

Airboard: An inflatable sled that is ridden face-down, providing a very different and more extreme experience than seated tobogganing. Some Swiss resorts offer Airboard specific events and courses.

Bobsleigh: Completely different from tobogganing — an engineered, covered sled on a purpose-built ice track. The Olympic bobsleigh run in St. Moritz offers public experiences but is categorically different from natural-terrain tobogganing.

After tobogganing: warming up in Switzerland

Post-tobogganing culture in Switzerland clusters around mountain restaurants and valley Beizen (traditional pubs). Several traditions are worth knowing:

Glühwein and hot chocolate: The universal post-sledge drinks. Mountain restaurants at toboggan run bases typically offer both. Swiss Glühwein uses local red wine (often from Valais or Graubunden) with orange, cinnamon, and cloves. The quality is generally high.

Fondue: Several runs have fondue-oriented après sessions, particularly on evening tour nights. The Preda-Bergün run’s base restaurant serves fondue and raclette on evening descent nights.

Thermal baths: Leukerbad (above Sion in the Valais) combines access to ice climbing in the Gemmi area with one of Switzerland’s finest thermal bath complexes. Soaking in 36-degree mineral water after a cold afternoon on a toboggan run is a particularly satisfying combination.

Tobogganing with children: what to expect

Most Swiss toboggan runs are suitable for children aged 6 and above on simpler runs, and 8 and above for the full mountain runs like Preda-Bergün and Faulhorn-First. The key considerations:

Speed control: Children need to be able to understand and execute foot-braking instructions before attempting mountain runs. A short practice on flat terrain before the run is worthwhile.

Weight: Heavier individuals and shared sleds go faster than lightweight children on solo sleds. Consider sharing a sled with younger children for better speed control.

Cold exposure: Children tire of cold faster than adults. Budget for a warming break after each descent, particularly on evening runs. Hand warmers in pockets are welcome additions to a child’s cold-weather kit.

Enthusiasm management: Children who love tobogganing tend to want multiple runs without breaks. Building in a hot chocolate stop after every two descents is a practical approach to managing energy and temperature.

The family activities guide covers the full range of winter activities suitable for Swiss family trips. The family ski resorts guide covers resorts that have toboggan runs integrated into their winter offer — several family-focused resorts, including Saas-Fee and Adelboden, have good toboggan infrastructure alongside ski facilities.

Toboggan run conditions: what affects them

Natural toboggan runs are significantly more weather-dependent than ski pistes. Several factors affect run quality:

Temperature: Optimal conditions occur at -5 to -15 degrees Celsius, when the snow surface is compact and fast without being icy. Temperatures above 0 degrees soften the snow surface and slow runs significantly. Very low temperatures (-20 and below) make snow powdery and slow, and create cold exposure risks for riders.

Recent snowfall: 5-10cm of fresh snow on a groomed base creates ideal conditions. Heavy fresh powder (over 20cm) needs compaction by riders before optimal speed develops. Very thin snow cover exposes rough terrain underneath.

Time of day: Morning conditions on a north-facing run are typically faster and harder than afternoon conditions after the sun has been on the slope. On south-facing runs (unusual for toboggan runs but occurring at some sites), afternoon softening can make the run unpleasantly slow.

Artificial grooming: Major runs like Preda-Bergün are groomed mechanically after heavy snowfall, using equipment similar to ski run groomers. This maintains consistent conditions regardless of snowfall timing.

Ice: An iced surface after a temperature oscillation above and then below zero can make a run very fast and potentially dangerous on corners. Run managers typically add fresh snow to reduce ice or close the run if conditions are unsafe.

Check current conditions on the tourist office website or call the run management before travelling specifically to a particular run. Most major runs post daily condition updates.

Toboggan rentals and where to find them

Swiss toboggan rentals are available at:

• Train stations: The Preda-Bergün run’s rental operation is at Preda station. Bergün station sometimes has additional rental.
• Cable car base stations: First Grindelwald, Engelberg Gerschnialp lift base, Rigi rack railway stations.
• Sports shops in resort towns: Intersport, Ochsner Sport, and local independent shops in Grindelwald, Davos, Kandersteg, and Engelberg all stock rental sleds.
• Resort tourist offices: Can direct to nearest rental point.

Cost: CHF 10-20 per sled per session. A typical pricing structure charges per descent for short runs and a daily rate for longer runs like Preda-Bergün. Helmets are available at the same locations for CHF 5-10 per day.

Night tobogganing: the complete experience

Night tobogganing on the lit runs at Preda-Bergün, Engelberg, and Rigi represents one of Switzerland’s most distinctive winter evening activities. The experience deserves more detail than a brief mention:

Arrival: Evening runs typically begin at dusk (17:30-18:00 in January-February) and continue until 22:00 or 23:00. Arrive at the lift or run base 30-45 minutes before departure time for equipment rental and orientation.

The descent: The lit corridor of the run creates a tunnel effect — the dark forest on both sides, the illuminated snow ahead, the sound of the runners. Speed is harder to gauge in artificial light than in daylight; erring on the conservative side for speed management is sensible on a first night run.

The social element: Night runs at major venues attract groups — corporate events, birthday parties, Swiss friends combining with restaurant bookings. The atmosphere is energetic and social rather than contemplative.

Fondue or raclette: Most night run venues either have an on-site restaurant or partner with a nearby mountain hut. The Preda-Bergün combination of a few night descents and then dinner in the village Bergrestaurant is the ideal structure for an evening.

Getting home: Check the last train or PostBus from the base of the run before committing to a late evening. Preda-Bergün’s last train from Bergün is timed for the end of the evening run programme — confirm the timetable for your specific date.