Alpnachstad – Bürgenstock

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This fourth stage will take you from Alpnachstad (OW) to Bürgenstock (NW). The start of the stage passes through the meadows of the Alpnachstader Ried before descending to Stansstad via the Rotzlochschlucht gorge. After a visit to the town of Stansstad, taking in the Schnitzturm, the path runs alongside the lake to Harissen Bay. From there, the steep climb to the former resort of Fürigen begins. The gradient eases off towards Ober Schilt before the ascent to Bürgenstock begins.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Tour du Lac des Quatre Cantons

Details

n°109483916
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.79 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 7h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,159 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,729 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,169 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,401 ft
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Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 1,407 ft - Alpnachstad SBB-CFF railway station
  2. 1 : mi 0.5 - alt. 1,427 ft - Sign No. 98
  3. 2 : mi 1.34 - alt. 1,424 ft - Sarneraa
  4. 3 : mi 2.96 - alt. 2,021 ft - Sign No. 98
  5. 4 : mi 3.24 - alt. 1,883 ft - White-Red-White marker
  6. 5 : mi 3.85 - alt. 1,663 ft - Hinterbach
  7. 6 : mi 3.97 - alt. 1,647 ft - Crossroads
  8. 7 : mi 4.41 - alt. 1,447 ft - Sign No. 98
  9. 8 : mi 5.56 - alt. 1,430 ft - Stansstad railway station
  10. 9 : mi 5.87 - alt. 1,421 ft - Sign No. 98
  11. 10 : mi 6.02 - alt. 1,427 ft - Schnitzturm
  12. 11 : mi 6.64 - alt. 1,493 ft - Harissen Bay
  13. 12 : mi 7.42 - alt. 2,116 ft - Füringen
  14. 13 : mi 7.84 - alt. 2,267 ft - Ober Schilt
  15. 14 : mi 8.08 - alt. 2,674 ft - Sign No. 98
  16. 15 : mi 9.19 - alt. 2,871 ft - Bürgenstock
  17. E : mi 9.79 - alt. 2,831 ft - Bürgenstock Resort (Bus Zentrum)

Notes

Hike completed by the author on 7 October 2026

The route for this hike follows the Waldstätterweg, which is marked on Swiss maps.

Signposting: at every major junction, you’ll find signposts:
- Sign No. 98 or P98 with a No. 98 sticker indicating this trail.
- R sign: a yellow sign with a hiker pictogram

Before setting off, it is advisable to check the Suisse Topo website for any trail closures and diversions. This information is updated in real time.

As well as the Visorando app, you can also download the free swisstopo app, where you’ll find this information too.

Transport: Timetables

Weather: before setting off, check the Swiss Weather Service or Météo Blue

Hiking equipment, particularly good walking boots.

Accommodation: Take the bus from Bürgenstock to Stansstad – there are three hotels in Bürgenstock (5-star, around 1,000 CHF per night), so it’s best to stay in Stansstad.

Worth a visit

  • Alpnachstad
  • The Rotzlochschlucht gorge
  • Sansstad
  • Fürigen
  • Bürgenstock Resort: a prestigious 5-star luxury hotel complex. Founded in the late19th century (1873), the resort has hosted numerous famous figures (including Audrey Hepburn, Konrad Adenauer and Jimmy Carter) as well as international conferences and diplomatic summits (notably on peace in Ukraine in 2024).

Other walks in the area

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Walking Lucerne - Fräkmüntegg - Pilatus via the Alpenpanorama Weg

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↔6.50 mi ↗+3,323 ft ↘-177 ft ◔5h 55 ▲Difficult
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Mount Pilatus, which towers over Lake Lucerne and Lucerne, quickly comes into view on the Alpenpenpanorama Weg trail. It is clearly visible from the heights as soon as you leave Lucerne. This summit is well worth a detour. You will have unforgettable memories of the panorama of the Alps and the Jura in the evening, when you can enjoy the absolute calm and a magnificent sunset over the Bernese Alps.

Walking From Lucerne to Schwarzsee via the Alpenpanorama Weg

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De Lucerne à Schwarzsee par l'Alpenpanorama Weg
↔97.78 mi ↗+19,350 ft ↘-17,323 ft ◔10 days ▲Difficult
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This ten-day itinerary follows the Alpenpanorama Weg from Lucerne to Schwarzsee. With Mount Pilatus within easy reach, it is well worth stopping off to enjoy the unique panorama of the Alps. You will cross the following cantons: Lucerne, Niedwalden (at Pilatus), Bern and Fribourg. This beautiful route offers numerous panoramic views of the Bernese Alps and the Jura.

Walking Lucerne – Alpnachstad

Visorando Member
↔13.76 mi ↗+2,982 ft ↘-3,012 ft ◔8h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Lucerne (Canton of Lucerne)
This third stage will take you from Lucerne (LU) to Alpnachstad (OW). After crossing the Seebrücke, you’ll pass the Lucerne Culture and Congress Centre (KKL). The route continues along the lake before branching off towards the hills above Horw. The path descends back towards the lake at Rank Winkel before tackling the climb up the Rengg Pass at the foot of Mount Pilatus. The route ends in Alpnachstad, following the shore of Lake Alpnach.

Walking Malters - Wolhusen via the Alpenpanorama Weg

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↔7.11 mi ↗+620 ft ↘-348 ft ◔3h 50 ▲Moderate
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This short stage will take you from Malters to Wolhusen. You will walk along the banks of the Petite Emme before arriving in Werthenstein. At the entrance to this village, you can admire the imposing cloister, a major pilgrimage site on the Via Jacobi.

Walking Along Lake Lucerne

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↔6.32 mi ↗+1,644 ft ↘-1,696 ft ◔4h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Beckenried (Nidwalden)
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