Tap to search
Around lake Lucerne 7-day Self-guided Walking Tour Level 3
A hiking adventure in the heart of Switzerland.The high altitude hikes around Lake Lucerne are pearls worth discovering. First you pass over Rengg pass to reach the lakes and peaks of central Switzerland. From here you continue to Nidwalden and enjoy marvellous views on Lake Uri and Mount Rigi. After crossing the lake basin you will climb the “queen of the Mountains” and dream of the spectacular mountain panoramas you’ve enjoyed during the last day
Steep ascents and descents await you on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Even though most of them can be avoided by cable cars you need surefootedness and a good physical condition to go on this trip. On Lake Lucerne it is partly steep uphill
Slow Tours offers a number of other Walking Tours in Europe
Arrival in Lucerne
Thanks to its attractions, souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby excursion mountains of the Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, Lucerne is the perfect starting point for your hike round Lake Lucerne.
Lucerne–Alpnachstad approx. 21kms 6.5hrs | +945m -945m
Today’s leg leads via Horw peninsula to Mount Pilatus. Steep passage over the Renggpass, the only overland link to Obwalden in the 1860s before the construction of the Brunigstrasse.
Alpnachstad-Niederrickenbach-Emmetten approx. 15kms 5.5hrs | +1,135m -715m
By bus to Dallenwil and with the cable car up to Niederrickenbach. This leg leads on the well-known “wildlife path» on the mountain flanks of Schwalmis and Oberbauen. You reach Niederbauen and go by cable car down to the same village.
Emmetten-Brunnen approx.10kms 3hrs | +330m -640m
Down towards the shores of Lakes Lucerne and through the refreshingly cool gorge on the Urnersee lake-along the lakeshore road to Risleten and a climb through the attractive Risletenschlucht gorge. Crossing of the Stützberg along the historic path to Volligen and arrival in Rütli, with views down to the Urnersee lake. From here by ship to Brunnen.
Brunnen–Rigi Kaltbad approx. 14kms 4hrs | +675m -445m
Another cable car brings you up on Mount Urmiberg. From here you continue via Gätterlipass on well -developed trails towards Rigi Kaltbad.
Rigi Kaltbad–Küssnacht am Rigi approx. 11kms 3.5hrs | +215m -1,215m
Steep descent towards Seebodenalp, one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Swiss mountains. Take a break in the mountain hut. If you want, you can shorten today’s hike by cable car down to Küssnacht am Rigi.
Departure or extra nights.
If you prefer to drive yourself but would like to follow our itineraries and hotel choices we can help you with a brand new Renault vehicle - minimum 21 days - and have your itineraries and hotels ready for you.
Please email [email protected] for your choice of vehicle and pick-up and drop-off points in European countries.