Even when there is no snow on the ground, you can toboggan down mountain sides on carts in metal tracks at so-called “Sommer-Rodelbahnen” (summer toboggan slides) While this is good, thrilling fun at any time of the year, autumn—with its cooler weather and colorful foliage—is an especially beautiful time to enjoy this exhilarating activity that is suitable for young and old alike. There are dozens of mountains that offer summer tobogganing fun, including four that are within 75 minutes from Basel and thereby perfect for a day-outing with the family.

Deinkick Solarbob

This toboggan run in Langenbruck in canton Baselland, which is open from early April to mid-October, is the closest Rodelbahn to Basel. Located only 45 minutes away, the Deinkick Solarbob is unique in that it is the only toboggan slide in the world with a lift powered by solar energy. You can comfortably take the lift uphill, either alone or with a partner, and without having to dismount, the track will lead you down a 1 kilometer-long run in the scenic Jura mountains back to the start. The solar power is converted into electrical energy that is stored on the grid, allowing the run to also be operational without sunshine. Deinkick Solarbob also has a rope park with five different courses, ideal for adventure seekers ages 6 and up. Be sure to print out the “Use and conduct (pdf)” form online and bring the corresponding declaration of consent (pdf) with you, filled out and signed.
http://deinkick.ch/solarbob.htm

Steinwasen Park

This site is a animal park / entertainment park in the Black Forest of Germany that has two 800-meter-long toboggan slides. It also hosts a new outdoor coaster down the mountain and through the trees to the valley below, an indoor toboggan track, a smaller indoor roller coaster through a Glacier World, a 4-D cinema, and Interactive XD Motion Ride Theater, a river-splash white-water ride, and so much more. Constructed in the early 1970s with the help of wildlife biologists, the park also serves as a wildlife reserve with a variety of animals, including deer, ibex, chamois, lynx, wild boar, raccoons, and ground hogs. You can admire the beautiful mountain and its inhabitants from a 218-meter-long suspended bridge that offers magnificent views of the surrounding Black Forest region. There is also a children’s playground, snack bars, and a family restaurant where you can enjoy some local specialties. This park makes for a great day outing, particularly for young families; it is not as crowded as other amusement parks, so the wait times at the attractions are negligible to reasonable.
https://www.steinwasen-park.de/en

Hasenhorn Coaster

The Hasenhorn Rodelbahn in the Southern Black Forest town of Todtnau is the most spectacular of its kind in Germany and is only one hour from Basel. You can take the modern double-chairlift up the mountain, enjoy the breathtaking views from the top, and then embark on the 2.9 km thrilling coaster ride in a large or small cart, back down to the valley below. Loaded with wavy parts, steep curves, and three great loops, you will experience a journey full of surprises. If you are feeling sporty, you can also opt to hike from the parking lot up to the starting point of the toboggan slide—this 400 m altitude difference can be covered via a more challenging hike of 3.5 km, or a more child-friendly trail of 4 km. If some family members prefer a walk to a coaster ride, you can also walk from the top of the mountain back down to the valley (3 km). Children must be at least 3 years old and 95 cm tall to ride the coaster with a parent, and 8 years old and 1.40 m tall to ride alone. You can buy single tickets as well as 10- or 20-ticket booklets for a discounted price (tickets are valid for 2 years after purchase). Note that the Hasenhorn Rodelbahn is also operational in winter.
https://www.hasenhorn-rodelbahn.de

Rodelbahn Fräkigaudi

This is the longest summer toboggan slide in Switzerland. From May until late October you can ride the 1350-meter-long run (https://www.rodelbahn.ch/en/). Part-way up Mount Pilatus near Luzern, this toboggan experience must be coupled with a panoramic gondola ride, aerial cable-cars, the steepest cogwheel train in the world, or a hike up the mountain. On a clear day, the views from the top of Mount Pilatus are hard to beat. Next to the toboggan run, you can also enjoy a play park for the kids and a rope climbing park for the whole family. While the gondola up to the toboggan run is pricy, the gondola down is optional and can be substituted with a nice long family hike down the mountain (although probably not ideal for very small children). Furthermore, the “Junior Karte” is accepted, making your children’s journey free. This is a must-do in Switzerland!
https://www.pilatus.ch/en/discover/fraekigaudi-toboggan-run

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