Via Urschweiz, Stage 5

Historic steps, shady woodland paths and sweeping views over the Urnersee define this stage from Seelisberg via Bauen to the secluded Isenthal.

Seelisberg can be reached via Treib by boat and on the Treib-Seelisberg-Bahn. From the Seelisberg, Tanzplatz bus stop, the Via Urschweiz initially crosses open meadows and passes through the Tannwald forest. At Marienhöhe, views open up over the lake and mountains. The marked descent begins at Schlösschen Beroldingen and its chapel: the trail quickly loses altitude along historic steps and lanes, reaching Bauen on the Urnersee after just under two hours.

The village lies at around 440 m, the lowest point of the hike. The mild lakeshore climate brings the unexpected sight of palm trees and banana plants; swimming is also possible in the lake.

Beyond Bauen, the white-red-white waymarked mountain trail climbs steeply again along the old Landweg into the Isenthal. Woodland and open slopes alternate as the Urnersee is left increasingly far below. In the final third, the route reaches its highest point at around 900 m near the Schartihöreli. It then descends to the first houses of Isenthal, passing St. Theodul and continuing directly to the Isenthal, Dorf PostBus stop.