Bürgenstock on Lake Lucerne

Bürgenstock connects Lake Lucerne with mountain scenery and expansive views. Bürgenstock, also called Bürgenberg, is a 1,128-metre-high mountain in the Urner Alps on the lake. From there, the view stretches across Lake Lucerne to Lucerne, Rigi and Pilatus, over the Brünig Pass and as far as the Bernese Alps. Trails, a lift and a mountain railway offer different ways to enjoy your stay.

Mountain Panorama and Resort Grounds

The Bürgenstock Resort covers 60 hectares and offers views of the Lake Lucerne landscape and the Swiss Alps. This allows two perspectives to be distinguished: Bürgenstock as a mountain with its expansive panorama, and the resort with its own grounds and views of the lake and Alps. The viewpoints and activities mentioned each have their own destinations and conditions.

Felsenweg and Hammetschwand Lift

The Felsenweg was built between 1900 and 1905 and leads from the Bürgenstock Resort to the Känzeli viewpoint. The gravel path is 2.2 kilometres long; the walk takes about an hour. It is considered an easy trail with a gentle incline and is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Weather-related closures may occur.

From the Felsenweg, the Hammetschwand Lift leads to Hammetschwand. Europe's highest outdoor lift covers a distance of 152.8 metres in one minute. It operates seasonally and is weather-dependent. At the top, visitors can enjoy a view, a mountain restaurant and a picnic area; these facilities may be available seasonally or depending on the weather.

When planning, it is worth keeping the different scales in mind: the Felsenweg involves a walk of about an hour over 2.2 kilometres, while the lift ride covers a vertical distance of 152.8 metres in one minute. The destinations also differ: the trail leads to Känzeli, while the lift goes to Hammetschwand. This makes it possible to consider the trail and the lift ride as different parts of a stay.

By Boat and Historic Mountain Railway

One possible way to reach the Bürgenstock Resort is to take a boat from Lucerne to Kehrsiten, followed by a ride up the mountainside on the historic Bürgenstock Railway. The railway is Switzerland's oldest electrically operated funicular. It opened in 1888, is 930 metres long and climbs 440 metres in elevation. Its mountain station is integrated into the Bürgenstock Resort.

The Bürgenstock Railway operates year-round and is connected to a regular boat service between Lucerne and Kehrsiten. Timetables may change; check the connection times before your trip. Travelling by boat and railway is one possible way to get there, not the only way described to enjoy your stay.

Golf, Spa and Cinema

The Bürgenstock Resort lists Bürgenstock Alpine Golf among its facilities. It includes a 9-hole golf course with natural fairways framed by mountains and forests. A driving range in an alpine setting and services offered by the Golf Academy complement the facilities. Tournaments and events are offered from April to October; their dates may be subject to change.

The Bürgenstock Resort is also home to the Bürgenstock Alpine Spa. The Bürgenstock cinema shows current films in luxurious seats. The range of options on site therefore includes activities in the surrounding landscape as well as golf, spa and cinema. If you are planning a hotel stay in Bürgenstock, these different highlights can help you assess whether the destination suits your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Hergiswil, Beckenried, Emmetten, Stansstad, Buochs, Büren, Stans, Ennetbürgen

For the broader travel overview: Nidwalden.