What is a kugelbahn? Simply put, it is a marble run, but usually built right into the forest. It is a clever and charming way to make sure your kids hike faster than you the whole way. They will move about the same speed as their rolling marble.
Each course begins with a spot to buy a wooden ball, called a kugel, usually for less than two Euros. You will often find gumball style machines near the trail entrance or by the route map. Not that we visit these often or anything, but we keep a few extra kugels in the glovebox just in case. They can usually be reused from one trail to another, although some trails require different sizes for the marble runs to work perfectly.
These are so much more than simple marble runs. Many include obstacles and clever engineering to keep things interesting. Some even have mazes or plinko style games along the way.
We have found kugelbahns in forests throughout Germany and Austria, and I know they are also popular in Switzerland. Below is a map of the ones we have visited, along with the ones still on our list. I have added notes to the map with details and tips to help as you plan your own visit.
Which kugelbahns are your favorites? I would love to hear which others we should try next.
