From Lucerne, you can ride a boat, then funicular train up to the posh Bürgenstock hotel resort overlooking the lake. From there, walk on the easy "Felsenweg" path along the cliffs, safely secured with a railing on the cliff side.

After about 30 mins, you can ride up the Hammetschwand to a higher viewpoint.

In the middle of the trail, you can take a little detour and ride up the Hammetschwand lift, a free standing glass elevator, for panorama views at the highest point of the Bürgenstock. It was a technical masterpiece in its time, but a little underwhelming for the price.

However, we love the hike along the cliff walk that loops around the Bürgenstock mountain to catch the views in all directions. Because of the relative low elevation, this is a good pick for spring when other mountains are covered in snow.

Trail: Easy • 1h45 • 5.3 km loop  • 180 m up/down

This is a good choice for a hot summer day because the cliffs and forest shield you from the sun on most of the trail, but you still get nice views.

How to get there

The trail starts at the Bürgenstock hotel. There is a parking garage under the hotel - 46°59’38.7″N 8°22’22.3″E. Bus stop: Bürgenstock Zentrum.

But it's more fun to ride the boat from Lucerne and ride the funicular up the to trail. This journey is free with the Tell Pass and discounted with the Swiss Travel Pass, SBB GA and Half-fare cards.