This trail wanders the hills above Lake Lucerne near Mt Rigi, alternating between lakeside views and open countryside.

It's particularly nice in April when the orchards along the route bloom with apple and pear trees.

Along the way, you’ll pass several farms with honesty shops, and one with a small self-service café where you can make a coffee and drink their sparkling apple and pear juice.

Trail: easy • 3 hours • 12 km • 332m up & down
See trail map on SchweizMobil

Start: Küssnacht am Rigi / for shorter version, Greppen, Oberhaus bus stop

End: Weggis, Dorfplatz bus stop

Open: This trail is possible year round, but best from April to Oct

ROUTE INFO

This hike is a shortened section of the Waldstätterweg, a multi-stage trail around the north end of Lake Lucerne. Stage 2 is Küssnacht am Rigi - Weggis - Vitznau (19 km, about 6 hours).

My route follows the first part from Küssnacht am Rigi to Weggis, a more reasonable distance for a day hike.

HOW TO GET THERE

The trail official starts in Küssnacht am Rigi.

After a short walk along the lake, the next 4 km is along a busy road, not amazing. So I suggest skipping this by taking the bus to Greppen and starting there instead. Instructions below.

By car:

We parked in Küssnacht am Rigi at the lakeside Seeplatz parking. You can start the hike here.

💡To skip the first 4km, walk 3 mins to Küssnacht am Rigi, Hauptplatz and take a bus to Greppen, Oberhaus (5 min ride, bus departs about every 30 mins, check schedule).

When you end in Weggis, ride Bus 508 from Weggis, Dorfplatz to Küssnacht am Rigi, Hauptplatz, a short walk from the parking. Check bus schedule.

By public transport:

Take a train to Küssnacht am Rigi. You can start the hike here, walking down to the lakeside, then following signs for trail 98, direction Weggis.

💡To skip the first 4km, take a bus from Küssnacht am Rigi Bahnhof to Greppen, Oberhaus (7 min ride, bus departs about every 30 mins, check schedule).

🛥️ BOAT: If you are starting in Lucerne, you could take a boat to Küssnacht am Rigi to start the hike (53 mins, boat runs from 3rd weekend of April to 3rd weekend of Oct). Then after the hike, take a boat from Weggis back to Lucerne (boat runs year round). Check boat schedule.