Hergiswil: Glasi, Lake Lucerne and Pilatus

Hergiswil is in the Swiss canton of Nidwalden. The area around the municipality lies at the foot of Pilatus and on the northern shore of Lake Lucerne, where alpine scenery meets the lakeside. Around Hergiswil, there are relatively flat paths along the lake, forest and meadow trails, and steeper ascents into the foothills of Pilatus. The trails therefore differ not only in scenery but also in terrain.

Glasi: The history and craft of glassmaking

Hergiswil is known for the Glasi Hergiswil glassworks. The “Shaped by Fire” museum traces the history of glass from its origins in ancient Egypt through the centuries and into the production hall. At Glasi Hergiswil, visitors can watch glassmakers use glowing-hot molten glass to make vases, drinking glasses, carafes and much more. The museum exhibits and the view of the production process offer different perspectives: one explores the history of glass, while the other shows how it is made.

Visitors can also try their hand at glassblowing under the guidance of a professional: you can blow your own glass sphere. For children, Glasi Park offers marble games, marble runs and a large sandpit to play in. The activities include both insights into glassmaking and hands-on fun.

By the lake and in Hergiswil Matt

In Hergiswil Matt, there is a pump track next to the Matt playground. Suitable for bicycles, kickboards and skateboards, it covers around 1,800 m². It includes a 40-metre beginner loop and a 200-metre track. These two distances give a clear idea of the facility’s size; the beginner loop is a separate section.

Badi Hergiswil is a lakeside swimming area directly on Lake Lucerne. It has a raft and diving platforms at heights of two and five metres. You can reach the swimming area by S-Bahn to “Hergiswil Matt” stop, or take the Mattbus from Hergiswil station to “Hergiswil Mattli” stop and walk for five minutes. As timetables can change, it is worth checking connections before you travel.

Tauchsport Nidwalden is also directly connected to the lake: its base is opposite Lake Lucerne. Divers can change there and enter the lake on the other side of the road; underwater exploration is offered. Another spot with a lake view is the Schönenboden fire pit in Hergiswil, which overlooks Lake Lucerne.

Explore the area and trails to Pilatus

The Hergiswil Detective Trail is a treasure hunt through the village between Pilatus and Lake Lucerne. It starts at sin6 (Tourist Info), Seestrasse 24, 6052 Hergiswil, and ends at Seehotel PILATUS, Seestrasse 34, 6052 Hergiswil. The two addresses help you find the start and finish, while the trail itself links Hergiswil’s locations as the setting for the treasure hunt.

The “Behind Pilatus” route runs from Hergiswil NW via Alpgschwänd and Fräkmüntegg to Unterlauelen. You can get to Hergiswil by Zentralbahn train or boat. For the return journey, take the PostBus from “Eigenthal, Talboden” bus stop to Lucerne. The route and return trip therefore involve different modes of transport; check timetables and seasonal trail conditions before planning. The ride on the Alpgschwänd panoramic railway takes seven minutes. If you plan to take the railway, check opening dates and service frequency, as these may change.

The Klimsenhorn Chapel stands at Klimsenhorn, on the way to Pilatus. Built in 1860/61, it can be reached via mountain trails from Pilatus Kulm or from Alpgschwänd restaurant. Conditions on mountain trails can vary. Every year, on the Sunday after 15 August, the mountain festival Bergchilbi is celebrated at Klimsenhorn with a festive mountain service; the specific arrangements may vary from year to year.

The village’s name also has a long history: Hergiswil was first mentioned as “Hergenswile” in a Habsburg document dating to around 1306.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Buochs, Stansstad, Beckenried, Oberdorf, Wolfenschiessen, Dallenwil, Ennetbürgen, Ennetmoos

Back to the main travel overview: Nidwalden.