Around Lake Alpnach

Reed-fringed bays on Lake Alpnach, the Rotzschlucht and a meadow path below the Drachenflue characterise this gently ascending hike from Stansstad to Alpnachstad.

From Stansstad railway station or boat landing, the route initially leads to Lake Lucerne. Lake Alpnach forms its south-western arm; along the way, reed-fringed bays and information boards draw attention to the nature reserves. Beyond Oeli, the route leaves the shore and follows the Mehlbach to the Rotzschlucht.

Via Betti, the hiking trail continues to climb between meadows and woodland. North of the Drachenflue, a meadow path follows the slope. At around 600 m, this is the highest point of the hike, well below the summit. The path then descends via Vorderrüti towards Eichiried; the open terrain repeatedly reveals views of the elongated lake and its wooded shores.

The terrain becomes flatter over the final third of the route. Between meadows and the first houses, the route approaches Alpnachstad and briefly follows the Kleine Schliere. After around nine kilometres and just over two and a half hours, the hike ends at Alpnachstad railway station, from where the Zentralbahn runs back to Stansstad.