Rotschuo (Gersau)

2:30 h
9.55 km
434 m
434 m
0 m
Start: Youth Hostel Rotschuo (Gersau)
Destination: Brunnen

The path from Rotschuo to Brunnen leads entirely along the shore. It is an easy route along a mostly uninhabited shore area.

1.5 km:
Paddle along the shore. Beware of the ferry at the ship station shortly before Gersau.

2.5 km:
Swimming pool no-go zone (swimming area), paddle outside the yellow buoys.

3.0 km:
Just before the village center of Gersau, there is a nice rest area at the quay (Gersau, Wehri) with a toilet facility. Exit is via wide stairs.

from 4.0 km:
Various pebble beaches for landing follow after Gersau, but without toilet facilities.

5.5 km:
The yellow buoys mark a no-go zone at the swimming pool (swimming area). Absolutely paddle outside the yellow buoys.

5.5 km:
Again, wooded shore area with various nice rest areas for landing and staying, but without toilet facilities.

8.0 km:
At the entrance to Brunnen there is a nature reserve. Keep distance from the shore and paddle outside the yellow buoys.

9.0 km:
Directly at the river mouth (Muota) there is a campground with an exit option for campers. After the campground and gravel plant, the Muota river flows into the lake. Note the current and do not paddle too close to the shore.

9.5 km:
Exit after the swimming pool (attention swimming zone - no-go zone) and before the föhn harbor (canoe entrance is marked with buoys).

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

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

Directions

Rotschuo - Gersau - Brunnen

Tour information

Stop at an Inn

Equipment

For canoe tours on the lake, sea kayaks or open canoes are recommended. Sea kayaks are faster and more sporty, while with canoes you travel more comfortably. Both types of boats offer the possibility to carry luggage. Essential for canoe tours on the lake are life jackets and weather-appropriate clothing. Above all, make sure to have sufficient protection against cold (e.g., fleece, neoprene, waterproof jacket). Spare clothes are also recommended, which can be very useful in case of capsizing. Furthermore, a mobile phone (waterproof packed) and a small first aid kit should be taken on every tour.

Directions & Parking facilities

Parking directly at the youth hostel

Bus to Gersau, Rotschuo

Additional information

Accommodation
Campsite

Canoe Rental

Kanuwelt Bouchs

Author

Reto Wyss (Kanuwelt Buochs)

Organization

Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Website

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Just before the village center of Gersau, there is a rest area with toilet facilities. There is a landing possibility at the stairs into the lake.

Safety guidelines

Weather
The weather development should be monitored over the entire tour. The rain radar from MeteoSwiss is particularly helpful. In case of uncertain weather, it is better to paddle shorter distances with various landing points. Adjust your clothing to the weather (sun, rain, and cold protection).

Water, Wind, and Waves
Lake Lucerne is, like any other lake, constantly subject to changing conditions. Decisive for canoe tours are water temperature, wind, and waves. In cold water (below 15°C), the tour should only be undertaken by experienced canoeists. In strong wind and/or waves, stay close to the shore or get out of the boat if necessary and wait for the wind and waves to calm down at the shore. Storm warnings have two levels: the strong wind warning (40 flashes per minute) indicates gusts up to 60 km/h, and the storm warning (90 flashes per minute) indicates gusts above 60 km/h.

Safety
Besides natural dangers like wind and waves, other watercraft users must be taken into account on the lake. Commercial boats and professional fishermen, as well as sailboats and swimmers, always have priority over canoeists. Keep your distance from all other (motor) boats and make eye contact when crossing paths.

Event

Place of interest

Tours

Rotschuo (Gersau) - Brunnen