A Great Lenzerheide Family Experience: The Scharmoin Marmot Run

Children in Scharmoin, Lenzerheide, are in for a real treat – the Marmot Run. It is also referred to as the Murmelibahn Scharmoin in German. 

Age GroupAll ages, Pre-school, School age
CategoryPlayground
Expected Duration1 - 2 Hours, Half-day
Cost- CHF 2 per Ball
- Your cable car ticket if necessary
AddressScharmoin Middle Station, Lenzerheide
Websitehttps://arosalenzerheide.swiss/en/Region/Lenzerheide
Opening HoursDaily, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Check the website to confirm operating hours.

The Marmot Run in Scharmoin, Lenzerheide consists of several ball tracks spanning a distance of over 250 meters. Kugelbahn is the German term for a ball track. Children have had free access to this playground since June 2015 when it was first opened. The wooden marmot sculptures at the very end of the ball tracks give this playground its name.  

One of Switzerland’s Largest Ball Tracks

Murmelibahn is considered one of Switzerland’s largest ball tracks. Both younger and older children will enjoy this playground. Ball tracks will entertain even adults if they enjoy them. 


It’s a great place to spend time chasing after wooden balls and changing ball directions with wooden tracks. In addition, they will have fun chasing the balls whenever they fall off the wooden tracks. Once the ball reaches the end of the track, the child must run back up the mountain to start again from the beginning. 

Some parts of the ball track might need assistance for extremely young children. However, most schoolchildren will be able to play independently and have a lot of fun. 

Image by SwissPlayground.com

In addition, there is also a see-saw where the kids can shuttle a ball between them. As one child slowly moves up and the other moves down, the ball will move downward. It is quite common for children to stay for a very long time here, especially if there are not many children around. It becomes fascinating for them to be able to control the ball’s direction by going up and down the see-saw. 

Parents Can Relax and Enjoy The Views

On three sides of theMarmot Run Playground are benches that parents (or caretakers) can sit on while waiting or chatting with friends, relatives, or their partners. It is a nice place for children to play; they can definitely spend an hour or two here if they are interested in playing while their parents relax on the bench. 

Because the Scharmoin playground is in the middle station, you have excellent views. The best views are from the top of Rothorn, but the views from the middle station are also not bad at all. From here, you can see the mountains surrounding Lenzerheide.

Where is the Scharmoin Marmot Run?

Image by SwissPlayground.com

From Lenzerheide valley station, you can take the cable car to Rothorn. Scharmoin is the first stop of the cable car. Those who wish to continue on to Rothorn will need to change to the next cable car. 

Just turn left after exiting the middle station at Scharmoin. From there, you will find the Scharmoin Marmot Run easily.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Scharmoin Marmot Run? 

If you need to take the cable car to and from Lenzerheide, you will need to pay the stated fee. It is possible, however, to make your own way up and down the valley without using cable cars. The hike to and from Scharmoin is relatively easy for children. 

Each wooden ball costs CHF 2.

The wooden ball machine can be found directly at the Scharmoin Marmot Run. In the event that nothing is available at the ball machine, you can visit the nearby restaurant – Scharmoin Grill Restaurant – for purchase. Balls are also sold at the following places:

  • Lenzerheide tourist office
  • Valbella tourist office
  • Rothorn Valley station
  • Hotels in the area

Summary

There’s nothing better than a fun family experience like the Scharmoin Marmot Run. Young toddlers and children, as well as older schoolchildren, can easily spend time chasing the balls and watching them roll down the tracks. 

In the meantime, parents can relax and watch their children play or enjoy the sights. The wooden ball and several ball tracks make it a great place for children to run around safely.

Once your children are finished playing, you can head to the nearbyScharmoin Grill Restaurant for a refreshing drink, snack, or meal. After that, you can also go hiking. The Autschliweg starts in Scharmoin as well. You can also take your children biking in Lenzerheide, there are many bike trails. 

Your Swiss Family Adventure Awaits!

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