Seelisberg lies on the hillside above Lake Lucerne; the municipality stretches from the lakeshore to the Oberbauenstock. This range shapes the options for a stay: forest and meadow trails, viewpoints, religious buildings and places connected with Swiss tradition give visitors different points of interest. Those who enjoy being outdoors can choose between circular routes with different distances and elevation profiles. For culture enthusiasts, chapels, churches and the history of the RĂĽtli offer their own points of interest.
Hiking trails with different highlights
The Tannwald circular trail is 4.6 kilometres long, takes about 70 minutes and has 130 metres of ascent and descent. The Oberwald circular trail is 11.5 kilometres long, takes about 200 minutes and has 477 metres of ascent and descent. It is an extension of the Förstertrail. The Oberwald is therefore not just the longer loop: the approximate time required and the amount of ascent and descent are also greater. These details can help you plan your hiking time during your stay.
The Förstertrail first passes the Maria Sonnenberg pilgrimage chapel, then runs alongside natural pastures and through the forest. There are viewpoints at Chänzeli and Höch Flue. Another route option leads through natural meadows and forest to the Scheidegg viewpoint: from there, the Oberberg circular trail offers views across Seelisberger Seeli to Fronalpstock. The Marienhöhe viewpoint connects landscape and cultural history in its own way: it served as the inspiration for a painting in the Federal Palace in Bern.
Lake, views and outdoor activities
The Oberwald circular trail leads towards Seelisberger Seeli, where you can cool off during the summer months. At the Seelisberg natural swimming area, you can rent rowboats, pedal boats, SUPs, canoes and kayaks on site. So, as well as hiking trails, there are several ways to spend time on the water.
The Treib-Seelisberg funicular offers a different perspective on the landscape. This steep funicular railway in Seelisberg affords views of Lake Lucerne. The hiking trails, viewpoints and railway each offer something different, so when planning your time, you can decide whether you would rather spend it on foot, at scenic viewpoints or on the water.
Chapels, history and Swiss tradition
The Chapel of St. Lawrence was built around 1530, along with Beroldingen Castle, by Landammann Ritter Josue von Beroldingen. A new, larger chapel, Maria Sonnenberg, was commissioned in 1665 and consecrated in 1667. Since 1772, a procession from Seelisberg to Beroldingen has taken place every year. These dates bring the village’s long religious tradition to life through specific buildings and a recurring event.
More recent architectural history is also part of the village landscape: the Grand Hôtel and Kurhaus Sonnenberg was built in 1875. Today’s parish church of St. Michael has 400 seats. Those interested in local history will also find stops on the Seelisberg-Rütli history trail in the village: stops 5 to 10 are accessible with a stroller or wheelchair.
The RĂĽtli is a meadow on the shore of Lake Lucerne, within the municipality of Seelisberg. In Swiss tradition, it is associated with the legendary founding of Switzerland. Alongside the buildings, this place of national remembrance is another cultural point of interest in the municipality.
Cheese-making and tasting
A visit to the mountain cheese dairy offers a chance to see how Seelisberg cheese is made. The experience includes a presentation, a tasting of three different cheeses and a welcome drink. This is a distinct highlight alongside the hiking trails and historic sites: the focus here is on the production and flavour of a local product.
Discover more destinations: Wassen, Hospental, Realp, Silenen, Altdorf, BĂĽrglen, Isenthal, Erstfeld.
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