Easy circular hike around a beautiful alpine lake, Glattalpsee, with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

Trail: easy • 2 h • 7 k • 60m up, 50m down
See trail map

You reach the trail with a small cable car. The path is easy and suitable for beginners and families, with minimal elevation gain. One side of the lake is a wide gravel path, possible with all-terrain strollers.

There is a mountain restaurant before you reach the lake, but no other services. I’d suggest a bringing a picnic to enjoy lakeside, while the kids throw rocks and dip their toes in the chilly water. 

• More details on SwissFamilyFun.com.

How to get there

The cable car is located at the far end of the Muotathal valley, southeast of Lucerne.

By car: The cable car does not have an address - 46°54'49.9"N 8°50'47.7"E. You could put Bisisthal in your GPS then drive past that village, following signs to Sahli Alp / Glattalpsee.

The last few minutes is a one-lane country road that looks like you shouldn't drive on it. But that's the way. There is metered parking next to the cable car.

By public transport: Take a train to Schwyz, Bahnhof, then Bus 1 to Muotathal, Post, then Bus 506 to Bisisthal, Sahli Seilbahnstat. The bus connections are very infrequent so check the schedule carefully. See the current bus schedule on aags.ch.