The Experience: Seelisberg Weid Niederbauen Emmetten

From Seelisberg, a demanding ascent through a gorge leads via ladders, steps and wire cables to Niederbauen. At the top, Alpine pastures and plunging views of Lake Lucerne await, along with a chance of spotting ibex below the summit.

The route starts at the Seelisberg, Tanzplatz bus stop at just over 830 m. Schlösschen Beroldingen lies a little off the route, which leads to the Weid farmstead; the cable car up to Weid offers a shortcut for the opening section. The trail then alternates between forest, meadows and Alpine pastures as the ascent becomes increasingly strenuous. The most demanding section begins at Alp Laueli.

The path climbs steeply through the gorge, narrow and winding. Steps, ladders and wire cables provide assistance through the steep grassy gully; surefootedness and a head for heights are essential. The section can be negotiated without climbing skills, but is difficult in the opposite direction. Higher up, sweeping views open out over Lake Lucerne far below. With luck, ibex can be spotted below Niderbauen-Chulm. The highest point lies near Gütsch at around 1,860 m.

After just under five hours in total, the mountain trail descends via Alp-Tritt to Niederbauen. The footpath ends directly beside the upper station, from where the cable car descends to Emmetten.