Lucerne's Lakes and Mountains

Fly into Zurich , Bern or Geneva then continue by train to Lucerne (1, 2  or 3.5 hours).

Lucerne has long been popular with visitors, with an impressive mountainous backdrop and clear lake waters running through its centre, it’s easy to see why. Visit the famous Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Wander to the Lion of Lucerne, a poignant rock relief commemorating Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Or simply enjoy a glass of Swiss wine in a lakeside bar and watch the world go by.

Say goodbye for now to the hustle and bustle of Lucerne! Follow trails to the town of Adlingenswil before continuing on country roads and descending to lake level. Ascend once more to follow country tracks along the hillside, offering fantastic views of the lake. Arrive in Weggis, a charming, relaxed. lake-side town popular with locals and tourists.  Spend two nights here. Today’s walk can be shortened in various places with the use of public transport.

Walking: 21, 14 or 8km, Ascent/Descent 600/600m

Take the cable car to the hamlet of Rigi Kaltbald and change to the cog railway which will take you to the summit of Rigi at 1797m. On a clear day, you can see no fewer than 13 lakes and an impressive panorama of mountain peaks. Have a bite to eat or relax with a drink in the summit restaurant before starting this easy-going walk back down to Rigi Kaltbad. Take the cable car back down to Weggis.

Ascent/Descent: 130m/450m

For the first 7km of today's walk you will be following the Rigi Panorama Trail, and the former railway line from Rigi Kaltbad to Rigi Scheidegg. If you are feeling peckish, there are two traditional mountain restaurants at Rigi-Scheidegg to chose from. From here it's a steady descent to Hinterbergen, where you can hop on the cable car to Vitznau. Take the ferry from Vitznau to Beckenried, a pretty town on the south bank of Lake Lucerne. 

Ascent/Descent: 150m/1186m (including cable car)

Take the cable car from Beckenried to Klewenalp, which happens to be the longest cable car ride in Central Switzerland! Pass Brisenhaus, a mountain hut located at 1753m. Descend on a rocky path, arriving in Niederrickenbach, a hamlet only accessible to the general public by cable car or on foot. Explore the small Cloisters area and the lovingly kept garden. Return to the cable car and return to Beckenried, or for those who still have the energy, follow the easy woodland trail to Stockhuette.

Walking: 16 or 5km, Ascent/Descent: 800m/800m or 80m/400m

Walk out of Beckenried via quiet country roads and trails. If time allows, take the cable car from Stans to the summit of Stanserhorn at 1,898m. With its open top design, this is a cable car with a difference! Take a train to Alpnachstad (25 mins easy change at Hergiswil). Board the steepest cog railway in the world, enjoying the views as you ascend through alpine fields and rocky tunnels. Arrive at Pilatus Kulm and check into your 3* superior hotel in the clouds and enjoy spectacular views from the comfort of your room. Staying here is a real highlight of the trip and a truly unique experience!

Ascent/Descent: 450m/450m

Dinner: Pilatus-Kulm

After a hearty breakfast, explore the various short routes around Pilatus Kulm. The views of the surrounding lakes and peaks are tremendous.

Take the cable car to Frakmuntegg and follow the ubiquitous yellow and black signs to Kriens. The path is gently descending and there are a few places to stop for some food en route. Once you reach Kriens, you can choose to jump on a bus to Lucerne or continue and arrive back in Lucerne the way you left, on foot.

Ascent/Descent: 100/1000m

After breakfast check-out of your hotel and make your onward journey.  If you are planning a longer Swiss tour, the Bernese Oberland combines perfectly with Lucerne, contact us for more info.