Discover Ennetbürgen on Lake Lucerne

Ennetbürgen is a municipality on Lake Lucerne in the canton of Nidwalden. When planning a stay, it is worth exploring the different sides of the village: paths by the lake and on Bürgenberg, the Untere Nas nature forest reserve, historic chapels and cultural attractions.

Hiking between the lakeshore and the chapel

The Nasentour leads from Buochs along the lakeshore via Aawasseregg to Ennetbürgen and onwards to Untere Nas, Rappersfluh and St. Jost Chapel. These stops give the hike a clear progression from lakeshore to natural landscape to cultural site. Another hike starts at the post office square in Ennetbürgen. From the boat landing, a hiking trail leads to St. Jost Chapel, an early stop on this route. Hiking trails also lead to Bürgenstock and offer views of Lake Lucerne. On 26 August 2026, the Felsenweg was open along its entire length; check the current conditions before your visit.

The connection between Buochs and Ennetbürgen is also part of the smarTrail Seemeile. This digital discovery trail offers insights into the history, culture and life on Lake Lucerne. The Waldstätterweg takes a different approach: this cultural trail steeped in history circles all the arms of the lake. Both offerings explore Lake Lucerne, but bring together different themes.

Untere Nas nature forest reserve

No forestry is carried out in the Untere Nas nature forest reserve for a period of 50 years, allowing the forest to develop and decay naturally. It is home to 17 rare forest communities of cantonal, national or European significance. Deadwood and trees with cavities are among the habitats described, along with rare and protected plants. The animal groups mentioned include butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies, wood-dwelling beetles and endangered birds. The warm lakeside location favours rare species such as dragonflies, grass snakes and common toads. Those interested in nature and habitats will find a different focus here than on the cultural trails or at the chapels.

Chapels and art in the village

St. Jost Chapel is the oldest building in the municipality of Ennetbürgen. The first chapel on St. Jost was built around 1340; in 1346, Pope Clement VI granted the pilgrimage site an indulgence. The documented history of the site therefore dates back to the Middle Ages. Another chapel is Maria zum Schnee, also known as Buochlikapelle: it was built and consecrated in 1916. A votive tablet from 1760 suggests that a small shrine previously stood on the site of today’s chapel.

Around 40 sculptures by artists from Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands can be seen in the Ennetbürgen sculpture park; the number and participating artists may change. Public and private guided tours are offered at the park. Check availability in advance. This makes it easy to include an art visit in your plans without treating it as the same thing as a hike or a historical tour.

More experiences and practical planning

Urban golf is played in Buochs and Ennetbürgen. At Seeplätzli, a playground combines modern and tried-and-tested play equipment; it also has a small beach, offering easy access to the water on warm summer days. This seasonal swimming spot complements the play facilities, but is specifically for warm summer days.

Waterbike excursions include a brief instruction, a life jacket and a basket. The waterbikes can be used as a standard bike, a recumbent bike or a tandem. The activity is based at Seestrasse 12 in Ennetbürgen; the bike is transported to Seeplätzli ready for departure. On or beside Lake Lucerne, the Seemeile between Buochs and Ennetbürgen also offers activities such as wakeboarding, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. The options range from a hike on foot to activities on the water.

Village tours also offer a range of themes: they take place on various Friday evenings in Buochs and Ennetbürgen and cover history, food and culture. Check the dates before your trip. The recurring Kinospektakel is an open-air cinema at the Buochs-Ennetbürgen lido; its 30th edition took place from 24 June to 11 July 2026. Ennetbürgen can be reached by bus from Stans. A PostBus service runs from Stans to the «Ennetbürgen, Riedmatt» stop, which serves the sculpture park. Check the current timetables when planning your journey.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Beckenried, Wolfenschiessen, Bürgenstock, Ennetmoos, Buochs, Dallenwil, Emmetten, Hergiswil

Go to the regional travel overview: Nidwalden.