---

Picture this: a boat across Lake Lucerne, a hike through the forest, and lunch with a view that belongs on a postcard.

Bürgenstock is close to Lucerne, it’s stunning, and, with a few small tricks, it’s very doable on a student budget.

So, what is Bürgenstock?

At least not yet.

Did you know? The Bürgenstock Bahn, built in 1888, is the oldest electric funicular railway in Switzerland. In addition, on the highest point of the Bürgenstock resort you can find the Hammetschwand Lift – Europe’s highest outdoor elevator since 1905

How to get there

Our starting point was Lucerne. From there, we took the shuttle boat from Lucerne Bahnhofquai, which is where the boats leave from, to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock. That’s the only thing you have to pay for, and it costs approximately CHF 60 return (rates vary slightly between winter and summer). Honestly, it’s worth every franc. The views from the boat are already beautiful before the day even properly starts.

Once you arrive in Kehrsiten, skip the funicular to save yourself around CHF 30 and turn right instead. You’ll find a small free museum dedicated to the Bürgenstock funicular – a lovely little tribute to the art and technology of the Belle Époque, and worth a quick stop before the climb.

Then, it’s time to walk!

The hike

The trail up through the forest takes around one hour and it’s not too demanding – a solid beginner-to-intermediate hike. Nothing that requires special gear, just comfortable shoes and a bit of motivation.

Once you reach the top, the change of scenery is almost surreal – one moment you’re in the middle of a forest, the next you’re stepping into the grounds of a luxury resort. Head to the terrace and take it all in. The view over Lake Lucerne from up there is genuinely beautiful.

If you want to go even higher, skip the Hammetschwand Lift to save CHF 16. Instead of turning left after the resort, keep going straight until you spot the trail sign. About 30 more minutes on foot and you’ll reach the very top, where there’s a sweet little restaurant – but let’s just say the prices match the altitude. We came prepared with tupperware and a towel, found ourselves a sunny patch of grass, and honestly? Best decision of the day.

After the hike

If the weather is warm enough, once you head back down don’t rush to catch the boat. Walk along the lake, where there are some really lovely spots to sit, relax, and take a dip in the (very refreshing) Lake Lucerne. 

Before you go

What to bring

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Water (enough for 1.5–2 hours of hiking)
• Tupperware with lunch – trust me on this one
• A light layer even in summer, it can get breezy at the top

How long does the full day take? 

Plan for a full day, roughly 6 to 7 hours including the boat, the hike up, time at the top, the optional extra climb, and a relaxed walk by the lake on the way back.

Looking for more?

Looking for something a bit more relaxed? Meggenhorn is the perfect easy walk – beautiful views, fairy tale castle, completely free and about an hour from Lucerne on foot. On the other hand, if you’re feeling motivated and ready for a full day on your legs, Rigi Kulm is waiting for you – 7 hours 30 total, stunning 360-degree views and very much worth every step.

Have you visited Bürgenstock before? If not, would you give it a go?

I’d love to know! Drop a comment below, and feel free to share this with a friend who’s always up for a good day out.