Walk or Hike to Lakeside Viewpoints

Lucerne and its surroundings are a paradise for walkers and hikers, with flat lakeside paths and more challenging day-long hikes in steeper terrain. Closest to the city is the level walking path circling Lake Rot, through a nature reserve. There’s a beach and a playground along the way, and places to picnic.

More demanding, but also close to the city, the Bireggwald offers views of the lake and Mt. Pilatus; a marked forest trail climbs from the Biregghof bus stop to the Oberrüti lookout. You can continue on the trail, descending to the lake and returning to Lucerne by train.

The Bürgenstock Cliff Path is a good half-day trip from Lucerne. Reached by boat and the scenic Bürgenstock funicular railway, the well-groomed cliff path skirts dramatic rock ledges and reveals beautiful views of lake Lucerne and the Alps. The Hammetschwand lift replaces the steep part, so very little climbing is involved.