ViaUrschweiz, Stage 1/2

Isleten is an idyllic village on Lake Urn, and Gitschenen a unique sunny mountain terrace surrounded by Switzerland’s steepest wild haymaking terrain. Isenthal is located in between these two. This is an exciting hike on old paths up into the mountains.

The hike starts at the Isleten boat landing stage, directly on the shores of Lake Lucerne. The route remains on the valley floor only briefly before climbing as a mountain trail marked in white, red and white. Alternating between woodland and open slopes, it quickly gains altitude and reaches Isenthal after the first long ascent. In the village, it passes the Church of St Theodul.

Beyond Isenthal, the ascent continues. Woodland and pastures alternate as the mountain trail keeps climbing, with just a few short descents. At Sankt Jakob, the chapel stands close to the route. The terrain then becomes more open, and the final ascent leads across pastures to Gitschenen. At around 1,550 m, shortly before the destination, the route reaches its highest point. After twelve kilometres and a little over four and a half hours, the hike ends near the Gitschenen stop. The Alpstubli is also just a few steps away.