Panoramic hike above Lake Uri from Bauen to Emmetten

4:27 h
12.79 km
803 m
520 m
437 m
1,086 m
649 m
Start: Bauen parking lot
Destination: Post bus stop Sagendorf in Emmetten

Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) is probably the most beautiful lake in Europe. From Bauen over Seelisberg to Bauen, we can repeatedly overlook different parts of the lake. At the same time, we admire a beautiful mountain landscape from Bristen, over the Rophaien, the Lythen, and the Rigi to the Pilatus.

One of the most beautiful hikes in Central Switzerland begins in Bauen. We follow historical routes towards Seelisberg, which were already used by the Romans, and repeatedly enjoy new views over the lake to the surrounding mountains. The path crosses lush and partially species-rich meadows and pastures. Then we enter a romantic forest and experience a first highlight at Marienhöhe with breathtaking views to the east and south. It is worth stopping here and lingering.

We then cross the upper village of Seelisberg and ascend slightly again to Höch Flue. From here, a panoramic view opens up to the exact opposite side, towards the north and west. In front of us we see Mythen and Rigi, and soon we also discover Pilatus. After a second rest at Höch Flue, the trail gently descends. We leisurely hike through an ancient forest, the so-called Brennwald, until reaching Emmetten.

Pavements

Street

Asphalt

Trail

Path

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Directions

From the Bauen parking lot we cross the tranquil village, pass by the Zwyssighaus where the composer of the Swiss Psalm was born, and slowly ascend to Wissig, which already belongs to the municipality of Seelisberg. Shortly before Beroldimgen Castle, the hiking trail branches off to the left from the road. At Schwanden, we briefly return to the road but then turn right near the forest towards Waldweidli and Marienhöhe. Through the pine forest we reach the upper village of Seelisberg. We cross the upper village and then ascend towards Frutt up to Höch Flue. From there we cross through the Teifenzug, the Plattenzug, and the Farenblätz in the Brennwald until we reach the Sagendorf in Emmetten.

Tour information

Cultural Interesting
Stop at an Inn

Equipment

Good shoes, rain protection, daypack, binoculars.

Directions & Parking facilities

Coming from both the north (Zurich or Lucerne) and the south (Gotthard), we leave the motorway in Flüelen and drive towards Seedorf. We pass through Seedorf and drive along Lake Uri until the road ends in Bauen. From there, we continue on foot only.

There are enough paid parking spaces in Bauen.

Bauen is accessible by boat from Flüelen or from Brunnen.

From Emmetten we take the post bus down to Beckenried, where we board the boat towards Flüelen.

Additional information

Bauen alone is worth a trip. Especially impressive here is the historic Zwyssighaus.

Author

Markus Fehlmann

Organization

Verein Urner Wanderwege

Website

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Be sure to take a camera with you. You will bring home some great landscape photographs.

In the forest between Seelisberg and Emmetten, you will encounter signs that belong to the Forest Trail. On these signs, you will learn a lot about protection and managed forests.

Safety guidelines

The hike is safe. There are no dangers.