Ebikon: Hiking, Rotsee and History

Several themes can shape a trip to Ebikon: the Rontaler Höhenweg passes through the area, protected habitats define the landscape around Rotsee, and the Alte Gerbe preserves historic buildings. A hike, a visit to the lake and an interest in architectural history are all reasons to include Ebikon in your travel plans. The municipality is in Switzerland, in the Lucerne-Land District of the canton of Lucerne. If you are looking for a hotel, first consider which of these aspects is most important for your trip.

Hiking the Rontaler Höhenweg

The 14-kilometre Rontaler Höhenweg runs from Lucerne through Ebikon, Dierikon, Root and Gisikon to Honau. Ebikon is therefore part of a route that extends beyond the municipality and connects several named places. If you are planning to hike the trail, distinguish the total route length from the section you would like to walk yourself. The Höhenweg is also suitable for families with children. Along the route, there are repeated opportunities to end the hike and walk down to a nearby public transport stop. This may be useful when planning stages if you do not intend to cover the entire route. Check access points and trail conditions before setting out.

Rotsee: nature conservation and seasonal swimming

Rotsee and its shores are protected. The protected area includes diverse, ecologically valuable habitats: shoreline, forests, meadows and pastures. Rotsee belongs to Lucerne and Ebikon. Bus routes 1, 18, 19, 22 and 23 connect Lucerne railway station with Rotsee. If you would like to use this connection in your day plan, check the current timetable. Visitor rules in the protected area may also change; check the applicable requirements before your visit.

Rotsee-Badi offers swimming facilities and a separate children’s pool. The facilities are seasonal. Check the latest opening information in advance if you are planning a visit. This helps distinguish swimming from a walk in the protected landscape: the lido offers seasonal swimming, while the focus around the lake and its shores is on protected habitats.

Nature is also a theme beyond the lake. Mühlebachtobel is an impressive natural passage in Ebikon. The municipality also has ecological enhancement projects; the “(G)arten-Coaches” project supports biodiversity. The protected habitats at Rotsee and the municipal biodiversity initiative therefore represent two different connections with nature.

Alte Gerbe and Hünenberg Castle

The listed buildings of the Alte Gerbe have been restored and retain their original character. The watermill wheel is also part of its history: it is turning again in the Mühlebach. The Alte Gerbe thus brings together a restored group of buildings and a tangible detail of its former use. This cultural and historical connection differs from the landscape-related themes of Rotsee and Mühlebachtobel.

Hünenberg Castle near Ebikon stands on a moraine hill south of Rotsee. An estate with its associated chapel was newly built at the castle. Its location helps place this historic site in context, while the restored buildings and watermill wheel are the focus at the Alte Gerbe. The two sites offer different points of interest for your travel plans: the location of an estate south of the lake, and the Alte Gerbe’s original character and watermill wheel.

Choose the focus of your trip

Your plans depend on which side of Ebikon you would like to explore. For the Höhenweg, the section you want to walk and the possible exit points are relevant. For Rotsee, you can take into account the protected-area rules, bus timetable and seasonal information for the lido. If you are interested in culture, the Alte Gerbe and Hünenberg Castle offer different historical connections.

Discover more destinations: Buchrain, Schwarzenberg, Horw, Adligenswil, Kriens, Dierikon, Lucerne, Schachen.

Return to the main travel overview: Lucerne.