Sarnen

As of June 2026, Sarnen, Engelberg, Lucerne have 242 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 9% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Sarnen generates CHF40K per year. High-performing properties earn CHF100K/year, while low-performing properties earn CHF19K/year. Despite declining supply, total revenue remains flat, suggesting demand is contracting faster than hosts are exiting—a sign of intensifying competition. The 2.5x performance gap between high and average properties indicates significant operational or positioning variance within a constrained market.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Sarnen. Average annual revenue is CHF40K with 50% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to CHF100K/year. Declining supply year-over-year suggests tightening market conditions, while the significant revenue gap between average and top performers indicates substantial differentiation in how properties are positioned or managed within the market.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Sarnen is 50%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of CHF251, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of CHF64 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Sarnen, with annual revenue of CHF80K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Sarnen market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Sarnen area. Sarnen: Moderate. Registration required, cantonal tourism tax applies. Standard zoning rules, moderate enforcement through complaints. Engelberg: Lenient. Tourist destination with minimal restrictions, registration for tax purposes. Light enforcement, many short-term rentals operate freely. Lucerne: Moderate. Registration mandatory, tourism tax collection required, some zoning restrictions in residential areas. Enforcement through neighbor complaints and tax audits. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Sarnen Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 9% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 2%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The wide gap between average revenue ($40,136) and top performers ($100,113) suggests significant performance variance, reflecting a competitive market where differentiation drives outsized returns for well-positioned properties.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak summer season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -29% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (October-November) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Sarnen listings include: Tv (84%), Washing Machine (80%), Balcony (78%), Kitchen (61%), Heating (51%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Pool, Air Conditioning, Washing Machine, with Pool properties earning approximately 47% more (CHF74K/year vs CHF50K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Sarnen over the last 12 months: May: CHF1K, June: CHF2K, July: CHF3K, August: CHF3K, September: CHF2K, October: CHF1K, November: CHF844, December: CHF3K, January: CHF2K, February: CHF2K, March: CHF2K, April: CHF1K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Sarnen is CHF251, up 34% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average CHF178/night, 2-bedroom properties average CHF321/night, 3-bedroom properties average CHF323/night, 4+ bedroom properties average CHF615/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Sarnen book an average of 41 days in advance, down 20% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 39 days, 2-bedroom: 42 days, 3-bedroom: 42 days, 4+ bedroom: 48 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Sarnen Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 9%, revenue per listing decreased 2%, occupancy fell 16%, average nightly rates increased 34%, and lead time decreased 20%. The sharp rate increase amid falling occupancy suggests hosts are competing on price in a tightening market, while the wide gap between average ($40,136) and top-performing listings ($100,113) indicates significant performance stratification.

In Sarnen, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 11% higher occupancy than weekdays.