Burgenstock and Hammetschwand Elevator

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Overview

  • Start Point: Bürgenstock Resort, Canton Nidwalden, Switzerland
  • End Point: Bürgenstock Peak (1,127m)
  • Lowest Elevation: 850m (Bürgenstock Resort)
  • Highest Elevation: 1,127m (Bürgenstock Peak)
  • Total Elevation Gain: ~277m (but 150m are for free!)
  • Duration: ~1.5 to 2.5 hours (including time for the elevator and scenic stops)
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Special Feature: Hammetschwand Elevator, Europe’s tallest standalone outdoor lift

A Scenic and Unique Hike Above Lake Lucerne

This hike is simple yet very scenic, offering stunning views of Lake Lucerne and an unexpected twist!

The journey begins in Canton Nidwalden, at the heart of Switzerland, along the shores of the famous Four Cantons Lake. The starting point is Bürgenstock Resort, an upscale hotel complex with breathtaking views and luxury accommodations. Parking is available near the resort, though it can be pricey. Alternatively, you can arrive from Lucerne by boat and take a funicular up to the resort from a small pier just below.


Along the Cliffside Trail

Next to the hotel, a cliffside trail begins, leading along the dramatic edge of the mountain. The path is wide and safe, offering continuous panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The trail winds gently uphill, passing through a denser forest after a while, with a few bends leading up to 960m. This initial section takes about 30 minutes.


A Surprising Discovery: The Hammetschwand Elevator

Here, the unexpected happens—you stumble upon an elevator in the middle of the forest! The Hammetschwand Elevator, the tallest standalone outdoor lift in Europe, ascends 153 meters, first entering the rock face before emerging spectacularly attached to the cliffside. Built in 1905 to offer wealthy visitors an easy way to the peak, it remains one of Switzerland’s most unique attractions.


Also, fun fact, although the entire hill belongs to Canton Nidwalden, a small plot around the elevator was assigned to Canton Lucerne, creating a geographical curiosity.

The elevator whisks you up to about 1,100m, where you'll find a mountain hut offering refreshments. From here, it's just a few minutes' walk to reach the Bürgenstock Peak (1,127m), where you can enjoy a picnic with an extraordinary view.


If you prefer not to take the elevator, you can reach the top via a scenic hiking path, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Descent Options

After taking in the breathtaking scenery at the summit, you have three options for your descent:

  1. Take the elevator back down.
  2. Return via the cliffside path for another round of stunning lake views.
  3. Opt for the gentler forest path on the opposite side of the hill, which we chose. This route took about 1 hour to return to the parking lot—even with a child on the back.

Final Thoughts

This hike is perfect for those looking for a short but panoramic adventure with a mix of natural beauty and engineering marvels. Whether you take the elevator or hike up the traditional way, the views from Bürgenstock Peak are worth every step. If you’re in the Lucerne area, don’t miss this unique Swiss hiking experience!

Location: Bürgenstock, 6365 Lucerne, Switzerland

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