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Lucerne walks
A getaway to Lucerne
Visorando Member
4.16 mi
+157 ft
-148 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Lucerne (Canton of Lucerne)
Lucerne boasts an impressive heritage and ranks among the most beautiful cities in the world. The world-famous Chapel Bridge is an integral part of Lucerne’s image. The suggested route will take you past its two covered wooden bridges, the Chapel Bridge and the Spreuer Bridge, the city walls with their towers overlooking the town, the old town with its richly decorated houses, and St Leodegar’s Church. You’ll also enjoy a stroll along the shores of the famous Lake of the Four Cantons.
Lucerne – Alpnachstad
13.76 mi
+2,982 ft
-3,012 ft
8h 55
Very 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.
From Lucerne to Schwarzsee via the Alpenpanorama Weg
97.78 mi
+19,350 ft
-17,323 ft
10 days
Difficult
Departure from Lucerne (Canton of Lucerne)
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.
Lucerne - Fräkmüntegg - Pilatus via the Alpenpanorama Weg
6.50 mi
+3,323 ft
-177 ft
5h 55
Difficult
Departure from Lucerne (Canton of Lucerne)
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.
Bürgenstock – Beckenried
7.73 mi
+1,837 ft
-3,228 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Ennetbürgen (Nidwalden)
This fifth stage will take you from Bürgenstock (NW) to Beckenried (NW). The route follows the north face of the Bürgenstock cliff to Sankt Jost Church before descending towards the lake at Ennetbürgen. The rest of the route runs alongside the lake, passing through Buochs, and ends in Beckenried.
Renggpass - From Stansstad to Hergiswill
4.82 mi
+1,772 ft
-1,709 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Hergiswil (Nidwalden)
Starting from Stansstad railway station, you go straight up above the motorway, thus tackling the steepest part.
Then, along the ridge overview of the Alpnachersee lake for a good third of the way, glimpses of views and appreciating the 400-500m ascent: Probably a good time to rest for a lunch break before the Renggpass.
The final part is downhill all the way to the village and train station of Hergiswil, passing through fields of cows, farms & green pasture.
Pilatus - Fräkmüntegg - Malters via the Alpenpanorama Weg
8.74 mi
+335 ft
-3,320 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Kriens (Canton of Lucerne)
After a night at the summit of Mount Pilatus and a last look at the Bernese Alps, you will descend towards the Alpenpanorama Weg. Before reaching the Petite Emme valley, you will have several more opportunities to admire the Pilatus massif.
Küssnacht am Rigi – Lucerne
11.07 mi
+1,043 ft
-1,040 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Canton of Schwyz
This second stage will take you from Küssnacht am Rigi (SZ) to Lucerne (LU). The route passes through the Wagenmoos nature reserves before descending towards the lake at Meggen. At Meggenhorn, notable for its castle, the path descends to the shores of Lake Lucerne, reaching the magnificent city of Lucerne
From Küssnacht am Rigi to Einsiedeln via the Schwyzer Höhenweg
40.10 mi
+13,566 ft
-12,123 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from Canton of Schwyz
This scenic route will take you on a journey to discover the three legendary mountains of the canton of Schwyz: the Rigi, the Rossberg and the Mythen. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug, Lake Lauerz and Lake Ägeri.
Küssnacht am Rigi – Rigi Kaltbad
5.79 mi
+4,098 ft
-804 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Canton of Schwyz
This first stage will take you from Küssnacht am Rigi, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, to Rigi Kaltbad. The hike is fairly short but quite steep as you make your way up to the Rigi. At Rigi Staffel, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Alps, Lake Lucerne, Lake Sempach and Lake Zug. The Rigi is accessible from all directions via seven cable cars and two funiculars.
Malters - Wolhusen via the Alpenpanorama Weg
7.11 mi
+620 ft
-348 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Malters (Canton of Lucerne)
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.
Rigi Kaltbad – Goldau
6.13 mi
+479 ft
-3,609 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Weggis (Canton of Lucerne)
This second stage will take you from Rigi Kaltbad to Goldau. You’ll need to join Trail No. 63 at Rigi Klösterli. This route is mainly downhill. You’ll enjoy views of Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz.
Alpnachstad – Bürgenstock
9.79 mi
+3,159 ft
-1,729 ft
7h 15
Difficult
Departure from Alpnach (Obwalden)
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.
Trip to the Rigi, scenic walk from Rigi Kulm to Wolfertschen
1.60 mi
+161 ft
-1,096 ft
0h 55
Easy
Departure from Arth (Canton of Schwyz)
A trip to the Rigi: depart from Arth-Goldau to Rigi Kulm by cogwheel train, then enjoy a scenic walk from Rigi Kulm to Wolfertschen-first. From there, you can take the train back to Krabel and ascend in a cable car to Rigi Scheidegg, or descend directly by train to Arth-Goldau.
From Rigi Kulm to Rigi Kaltbad-First
2.79 mi
+184 ft
-1,227 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Arth (Canton of Schwyz)
This short hike is mainly downhill after the ascent by train. The return journey can be made by train or cable car. This hike offers exceptional views of Lake Lucerne.
Tour of Lake Lucerne
72.65 mi
+16,450 ft
-16,453 ft
7 days
Difficult
Departure from Canton of Lucerne
Lake Lucerne borders four historic cantons of Central Switzerland. The tour around the lake therefore passes through the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Lucerne and the former canton of Unterwalden (now divided into two half-cantons: Nidwalden and Obwalden). The route takes you through the heart of Switzerland’s cradle. In 1291, representatives of the three founding cantons (Uri, Schwyz and Unterwald) gathered to take the oath of alliance that marked the birth of the Swiss Confederation. In 1332, the canton of Lucerne entered into a perpetual alliance with the three original cantons.
Vitznau – Küssnacht am Rigi
11.25 mi
+2,270 ft
-2,290 ft
7h 10
Difficult
Departure from Canton of Lucerne
This first stage will take you from Vitznau (LU) to Küssnacht am Rigi (SZ). The start of the route is a long climb up numerous steps and ladders to Oberwilen. The route passes above Weggis and gradually descends towards the Hertenstein peak before turning towards Lake Küssnacht.
Vitznauerstock summit
6.07 mi
+3,576 ft
-3,550 ft
5h 55
Difficult
Departure from Canton of Lucerne
Starting in Vitznau, climb to the summit of the Vitznauerstock/Gersauerstock for a superb view of Lake Lucerne.
Beckenried – Seelisberg
8.09 mi
+2,799 ft
-1,693 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Beckenried (Nidwalden)
This sixth stage will take you from Beckenried (NW) to Seelisberg (UR). The route follows the road along the lake to Risleten. The path continues with a fairly steep climb through the Risletenschlucht gorge, where the Choltalbach rushes down to the lake, creating spectacular waterfalls. The route then crosses the Stützberg and passes through Volligen. The final stretch to Seelisberg involves one last climb across meadows.
Along Lake Lucerne
6.32 mi
+1,644 ft
-1,696 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Beckenried (Nidwalden)
A 10 km walk (one-way) along the lake and through the forest, returning by boat.
The Klewenstock circuit
1.85 mi
+846 ft
-997 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from Beckenried (Nidwalden)
A very simple hike that takes you around the Klewenstock mountain. This walk allows you to admire the scenery and the flowers, with lovely little signs to help you learn to identify them!
Cham - Lucerne via the Alpenpanorama Weg
14.59 mi
+1,877 ft
-1,818 ft
8h 20
Difficult
Departure from Canton of Zug
This stage will take you from Cham to Lucerne. The Michaelskreuz chapel offers a splendid view of Lake Lucerne. Gradually, as you walk along the Lucerne golf course, you will reach the shore of the Luzernersee. The magnificent lakeside promenade will take you to the old town near the famous Kappelbrücke.
More walks in Lucerne
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