Bürgenstock, also known as Bürgenberg, is a 1,128-metre-high mountain in the Uri Alps on Lake Lucerne. From Bürgenstock, the view stretches across the lake to Lucerne, Rigi and Pilatus, and over the Brünig Pass to the Bernese Alps.
Felsenweg and Hammetschwand Lift
The Felsenweg is a 2.2-kilometre gravel path with a walking time of about one hour. It was built between 1900 and 1905 and leads from the Bürgenstock Resort to the Känzeli viewpoint. As an easy path with a gentle incline, it is suitable for wheelchairs and strollers; weather-related closures may occur.
The Hammetschwand Lift is Europe’s highest outdoor lift and takes one minute to travel 152.8 metres from the Felsenweg up to Hammetschwand. It operates seasonally and is weather-dependent. After the ride, visitors at Hammetschwand can enjoy a view, a mountain restaurant and a picnic area; their availability may also be seasonal or weather-dependent.
When planning your time, note that the Felsenweg’s approximately one-hour walking time and the lift’s one-minute ride refer to different routes: the path leads from the resort to Känzeli, while the lift travels from the Felsenweg to Hammetschwand. If you are considering both experiences, distinguish walking time from ride duration; they are not the same route.
Getting there by boat and funicular
One possible way to reach Bürgenstock Resort is to take a boat from Lucerne to Kehrsiten and then ride the historic Bürgenstock funicular up the mountainside. The railway opened in 1888, is 930 metres long and climbs 440 metres. As Switzerland’s oldest electrically operated funicular, it runs year-round and is connected to a regular boat service between Lucerne and Kehrsiten; timetables may change. Its upper station is integrated into the resort.
The Bürgenstock funicular and the Hammetschwand Lift serve different purposes: the former is part of one possible route to the resort’s upper station, while the latter takes you from the Felsenweg to Hammetschwand. Check the boat timetable for your travel date.
Scenery and resort facilities
Bürgenstock Resort covers 60 hectares and offers views of the Lake Lucerne landscape and the Swiss Alps. The resort includes the Bürgenstock Alpine Spa and Bürgenstock Alpine Golf.
The golf course has nine holes, with natural fairways framed by mountains and forests. The golf facilities also include a driving range in an alpine setting and services from the Golf Academy. Tournaments and events are offered from April to October; specific dates and services may change. At the Bürgenstock cinema, you can watch current films in luxurious armchairs.
The time of year affects these activities differently: while the Bürgenstock funicular runs year-round, the Hammetschwand Lift operates seasonally and is weather-dependent; golf tournaments and events are offered from April to October. Check the timetable, lift operation and specific event dates for your travel period.
Discover more destinations: Büren, Buochs, Ennetmoos, Dallenwil, Wolfenschiessen, Stans, Beckenried, Hergiswil
For the overview of the wider region: Nidwalden.
