- 3:00 h
- 8.04 km
- 4 m
- 4 m
- 430 m
- 434 m
- 4 m
- Start: Horw
- Destination: Lucerne
The entry is at the launching ramp next to the Seehotel Sternen (Winkel). Shortly after entry, there is a riding ban towards Lucerne at the beach (swimming zone). Please paddle outside the yellow buoys.
2.0 km:
Rest and bathing area Seewen at the exit of Horw. The gravel beaches are suitable as landing spots. Public toilets are available. The following shoreline is mostly privately owned.
4.0 km:
About 600 meters after the Kastanienbaum ship station there is the Krämerstein bathing area including toilet facilities.
6.0 km:
The Lucerne bay is heavily trafficked. It is advisable to paddle close to the shore and not all the way to the end of the lake. From the pier onwards, there is a riding ban.
Alternatively, the lake can be crossed at Baslerstab (boat garage with Basel coat of arms), but only in good weather conditions, meaning little wind and waves. Pay attention to ship traffic.
After crossing, paddling can continue from here towards Lucerne or towards Küssnacht (see canoe route Küssnacht-Lucerne).
7.0 km:
Swimming zone at the Tribschen swimming pool; please paddle outside the yellow buoys. After the swimming zone follows the Luzern, Tribschen ship station. Beware of scheduled passenger ships. Then follows the Tribschenhorn sailing harbor. Caution is advised due to entering and leaving ships.
8.0 km:
The exit is located outside the Tribschenhorn sailing harbor via the stairs.
An alternative exit point is on the other side of the lake. To reach it, cross the lake at the Tribschen ship station towards the Lido swimming pool, but only in good weather conditions, meaning little wind and waves. Pay attention to ship traffic. Paddle outside the yellow buoys in the Lido swimming zone.
8.5 km:
The exit is at the Churchill quay (after the Lido and marina).
Good to know
Best to visit
Directions
Tour information
Stop at an Inn
Equipment
Directions & Parking facilities
Additional information
Author
Reto Wyss (Kanuwelt Buochs)
Organization
Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Safety guidelines
Weather
The weather development should be monitored throughout the entire tour. The rain radar from MeteoSwiss is particularly helpful. In uncertain weather conditions, it is better to paddle a shorter distance with various exit points. Adapt clothing to the weather (sun, rain, and cold protection).
Water, wind, and waves
Lake Lucerne, like any other lake, is constantly subject to changing conditions. Crucial for canoe tours are water temperature, wind, and waves. Tours should only be attempted by experienced canoeists if the water is cold (below 15° Celsius). In strong wind and/or wave conditions, stay close to the shore or exit the boat as necessary and wait for the wind and waves to subside at the shore. Storm warning: There are two levels; the strong wind warning (40 blinks per minute) alerts to gusts up to 60 km/h, and the storm warning (90 blinks per minute) indicates gusts over 60 km/h.
Safety
Besides natural hazards such as wind and waves, other waterway users must be particularly observed on the lake. Scheduled passenger ships and professional fishermen, as well as sailing boats and swimmers, always have the right of way over canoeists. Keep distance from all other (motor) boats and establish eye contact when crossing paths.
Nearby
