Vitznauerstock summit

Starting in Vitznau, climb to the summit of the Vitznauerstock/Gersauerstock for a superb view of Lake Lucerne.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.78 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,090 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,082 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,426 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 487 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the cable car car park (at a charge of CHF 3-4).

(S/E) Follow Buholzstrasse eastwards.

(1) Take the footpath on the right and start climbing through the forest.

(2) Bear right and follow the Irene Keller - Weg.

(3) Turn right at the crossroads and walk along the cliff to the cable car terminus. Continue as far as the farm.

(4) Turn left through the gate and climb the right path.

(5) Turn right to go back and forth to Ausserurmi and enjoy the view of the lake.

(6) Back onto the path.

(5) Bend right and continue uphill through the meadow to the buildings that provide a view of the eastern part of the lake. The fairly steep path (300 m D+ in 800 m) continues through the forest.

(7) Arrive at the summit of the Vitznauerstock (1451 m) with an uninterrupted view over much of Lake Lucerne, the Burgentosck and Lucerne. Continue a little further to the second summit (Gersauerstock - 1410 m), which offers a sublime view of the eastern arm of the lake, Brunnen and numerous peaks. Follow the footpath and begin the descent (ladder). Join a good road.

(8) Turn left and stay on this road as you descend.

(9) Turn right onto the small footpath. The descent is made using two ladders and allows you to observe a few springs. Join a path

(10) Turn left and follow it downhill through a number of farms and houses.
Turn right at the climbing walls.

(1) Continue straight ahead and find the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 487 m - Lower station - Téléphérique d'Hinterbergen
  2. 1 : km 0.15 - alt. 519 m - Crossing the loop
  3. 2 : km 0.33 - alt. 531 m - Irene Keller Weg hiking trail
  4. 3 : km 1.54 - alt. 822 m - Cross
  5. 4 : km 2.59 - alt. 941 m - Farm
  6. 5 : km 3.15 - alt. 1,070 m - Round trip departure from Ausserurmi
  7. 6 : km 3.28 - alt. 1,062 m - Viewpoint on - Lac des Quatres Cantons
  8. 7 : km 4.71 - alt. 1,420 m - Vitznauerstock
  9. 8 : km 5.71 - alt. 1,175 m - Footpath/road junction
  10. 9 : km 7.28 - alt. 1,026 m - Road/hiking trail junction
  11. 10 : km 8.3 - alt. 828 m - Left downhill, farms
  12. S/E : km 9.78 - alt. 487 m - Lower station - Téléphérique d'Hinterbergen

Notes

Bring good walking shoes. Beware of strong winds, especially at the summit.

(S/E) It is possible to take the cable car directly to 920 m altitude, 150 m before the point (4).

You can also take the cable car 200 m before point 9. This takes you directly back to the car park.

Worth a visit

Breathtaking views over Lac des Quatre Cantons.

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
User 14827938

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Quite a difficult hike, given the elevation gain. Quite a few technical sections that are not mentioned in the description (sections with cables, ladders, etc.). However, there are some beautiful views of different parts of the lake. The climb is a good part of the descent is in the shade, making it ideal for summer.

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zelande
zelande

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Great hike with magnificent views of the lake. A bit crowded at the top!
Just great fun!

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Randonneur Suisse
Randonneur Suisse

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pretty hike, a little "wild" but the path is well signposted. Steep slope from start to finish, but magnificent views from the two peaks of Vitznauerstock and Gersauerstock. A must-do if you're in the area.

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