Waldstätterweg, Stage 1/7

A touch of southern ambiance - from Brunnen on the Waldstätterquai and the Auslandschweizerplatz on the Seestrasse to Brünischart and the start of the mountain trail through almost Mediterranean-like forest vegetation with wonderful panoramic views. Vitznau is reached via Gersau.

The roughly five-hour hike begins at the Brunnen (See) stop, just a few steps from Lake Lucerne. Initially, the route passes close to the Bundeskapelle and briefly follows the lakeshore. Soon the trail leaves the houses behind and climbs across open meadows. The broad hiking trail becomes a mountain trail and ascends steadily between pastures and woodland.

After a good five kilometres, the route reaches its highest point at around 690 m. The mountain trail then descends through the forest. At Zahnwehkäppeleli, the terrain becomes gentler again; shortly afterwards, the houses of Gersau come into view, where the route briefly follows the village stream.

From Gersau, the trail once again leads across meadows and through small patches of woodland above the lakeshore. Passing the Kuorez garden restaurant, it enters the parkland woods for the final stretch and descends to Vitznau. After around 15 kilometres, the hike ends near the Vitznau stop.