Hike in Central Switzerland Felsenweg Bürgenstock

Really cool hike in Central Switzerland! This round trek led us along the rocky path (Felsenweg) on Bürgenstock mountain. We kicked off at the fabulous Bürgenstock resort and walked towards the Hammetschwand lift, the highest exterior lift in Europe. From here, we continued on our path to Känzeli viewpoint and via Villa Honegg back to the Bürgenstock Resort. A diversified hike with lovely views of Lake Lucerne!

Bürgenstock| A world of its own

This cool hike in Central Switzerland took us to the famous Bürgenstock.

The “Bürgenstock” represents two things at the same time. Firstly, Bürgenstock is a 1,115 m high mountain located in the cantons of Nidwalden and Lucerne, in Central Switzerland. Secondly, Bürgenstock is a vast Swiss hotel and tourism complex which is located on that very same mountain.

Due to its size and various facilities, the official website calls it “A World of its Own”. The description could not suit it any better. This is what visitors can find up there:

A total of 30 buildings, including four hotels, nine restaurants and bars, shopping, two spa areas and one wellness centre. In addition, you can find more than 30 business event rooms, with a capacity for more than 600 guests.

You may arrive to the unique complex by several means. These include the Bürgenstock boat, its own funicular which takes you straight into the lobby, by helicopter, car or bus.

The hotel is a legend which looks back at a vibrant history and many famous hotel guests. Amongst these are actors such as Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Sean Connery and politicians such as Jimmy Carter or Henry Kissinger.

If you wanted to dive in deeper, check out the official website .

Lamp artwork and wonderful views

Despite the grandness and impressive reputation of the place, however, we were most enticed by the sweeping views of Lake Lucerne. Regrettably, the clouds weren´t willing to fully open up that day. Therefore, we could only imagine how beautiful the panorama would be with a clear blue sky.

Nevertheless, having been so very lucky with the weather in Switzerland so far, we were not going to complain! Definitely not!

In addition to the views, a cool lamp installation caught our attention.

The entire area is absolutely beautifully setup and maintained. I could not help myself but think of booking a cheeky night at the resort.

Felsenweg, here we come

Eventually, after several pictures and a few videos, we set off to explore the rocky path (Felsenweg in German).

The path was built between 1900 and 1905 and leads you along the steep Bürgenstock rockface.

During the first part, you can educate yourself in various topics, such as geography, tourism or nature conservation. There are twelve questions which can be easily called up with your mobile phone. So just in case that you require further entertainment along the way, you do not need to worry!

Views, views, views | Great hike in Central Switzerland

After around 30 minutes we reached a lovely viewing platform.

From our little experience so far, a hike in Central Switzerland is mostly accompanied by great views. One reason for that is the incredibly beautiful Lake Lucerne. Even on a cloudy day like we had!

Lake Lucerne | Vierwaldstättersee

Lake Lucerne is a real superstar here in Switzerland, hence let me give you some interesting facts hereunder:

• In English the lake is named after the historic city of Lucerne. In German the name refers to the four forest (“Wald” in German) cantons, Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne, which surround the lake. They all played an important role in the foundation of Switzerland
• The lake is 114 km² large, 214 m deep and was created as a glacial lake about 12,000 years ago
• Lake Lucerne has a unique shape, with several sharp bends, four arms and numerous scenic bays. Funnily enough, due to their distinct shapes, two other lakes in Germany are also called Vierwaldstättersee!
• In 1601 an earthquake caused a tsunami on Lake Lucerne. Would you believe it?

Saving at the wrong end

Moving on from the viewpoint, another highlight appeared shortly after. The entrance to the spectacular Hammetschwand-Lift.

Regrettably, this is as far as the “highlight” goes, namely to the entrance.

For unknown reasons, we did not spend the CHF 18.00 per person for a return ticket to experience this spectacular elevator. Classic case of saving at the wrong end, bugger!

Hammetschwand Lift

The Hammetschwand Lift is the highest exterior elevator in Europe. Whoever wanted to see that?

In less than a minute the lift carries passengers 152.8 meters towards heaven. Again, whoever wanted to experience that???

The technical masterpiece, built in 1905, transports you to a place with views described as “heavenly”. Do I need to say more?

Note to myself: Stop saving at the wrong ends!

Afterwards I actually felt like we had missed the main attraction of the whole hike. Subsequently, we will have to return for this experience!!

In and out of the rock

Nevertheless, the path continued to be exciting, walking along the rockface and in and out of the rock itself. We enjoyed ourselves, took pictures and experimented with videos. Every now and then, whilst moving through the stone, openings appeared which allowed glimpses of the lake once again.

Soon we reached the end of the rocky path.

Cool hike in Central Switzerland | Short and sweet

From there until the end, the trail consistently led us downhill. At some stage I was wondering if we ever walked uphill at all? I couldn´t believe we had come up so far! This justifies the continuous descent. Bottom line: The Felsenweg is a very doable, easy and enjoyable route. A short and sweet hiking experience!

After a quick stop at the Känzeli viewpoint we descended through the forest and via a lawn towards our next waypoint, Villa Honegg.

Villa Honegg  is beautiful 5-star Superior Boutique Hotel with 23 rooms. In close proximity you can choose from a wide range of excellent hotels in this area!

From there we walked through forest and flower meadows back to the starting point at the Bürgenstock Resort.

Back at the resort we had a final look over the majestic Lake Lucerne. Whilst admiring the lake, we took a long breath in and a full breath out.

Conclusion: Cool hike in Central Switzerland, with or without the lift!