Niederbauen is a mountain south of Lucerne with fantastic views of Lake Lucerne. This trail leads through meadows and forests around an arena of tall cliff walls and impressive peaks.

I love the Niederbauen area and I keep coming back to hike, often in fall when the mountains are full of color and dramatic shadows. I have three hiking options for you.

• My favorite for the views is up to Niederbauen Kulm, a peak overlooking steep cliffs down to Lake Lucerne. It's takes about 2.5hr and has some steep climbs up and down. Learn more and see trail map.

• For the best fall colors, I like the Wildlife Observation Trail that hikes around the arena, dipping in and out of the forests. Lots of gorgeous trees on this one. It takes about 4 hours and has a lot of up and down. See trail map.

• For a short and easy outing, you can walk out of the Hundchopf (aka Dog's Head) viewpoint, which is mostly on a dirt service road, uphill but not very steep. There's a nice viewpoint near the cliffs and a picnic area. It's about 90mins round trip. See trail map.

Location: Emmetten-Niederbauen cable car

Open: mid June through October

Cost: cable car tickets

Conditions: niederbauen.ch • webcam • weather