Tour of Lake 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.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   Vitznau – Küssnacht am Rigi

   11.25 mi 2,270 ft 2,290 ft

   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.

   View the route
2. 2
   

   Küssnacht am Rigi – Lucerne

   11.07 mi 1,043 ft 1,040 ft

   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

   View the route
3. 3
   

   Lucerne – Alpnachstad

   13.76 mi 2,982 ft 3,012 ft

   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.

   View the route
4. 4
   

   Alpnachstad – Bürgenstock

   9.79 mi 3,159 ft 1,729 ft

   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.

   View the route
5. 5

   Bürgenstock – Beckenried

   7.73 mi 1,837 ft 3,228 ft

   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.

   View the route
6. 6

   Beckenried – Seelisberg

   8.09 mi 2,799 ft 1,693 ft

   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.

   View the route
7. E

   Seelisberg – Flüelen

   10.74 mi 2,395 ft 3,438 ft

   This seventh stage will take you from Seelisberg (UR) to Flüelen (UR). The route passes through the village of Seelisberg to Oberdorf, then climbs up to the Marienhöhe. The highlight of the day is near Beroldingen Castle. The descent towards the lake is quite steep. A final section, partly cobbled and featuring around 900 steps, leads to Bauen. The route then follows the lake’s shore, passing through the Harderband Tunnel , where light installations bring Swiss history to life. Once you reach the southern end of the lake, you’ll cross the Reuss, the main river feeding into Lake Lucerne

   View the route