Stansstad-Horw

Tip
6.09 km long
Difficulty: easy
Canoe
  • 1:30 h
  • 6.09 km
  • 1 m
  • 434 m
  • 434 m
  • 0 m
  • Start: Stansstad
  • Destination: Horw
From Stansstad, the route goes along the impressive Lopper rock to Hergiswil and then on to Horw, a suburb of Lucerne.

The entry point is at General-Guisan-Quai in Stansstad. Shortly after entering, there is a driving ban (swimming zone) in the direction of Stansstad, so please paddle outside the buoys.

0.5 km:
After the swimming zone comes the Stansstad ship station. Beware of scheduled ships.

Next comes the Acheregg Bridge and then Lake Alpnach appears. We advise against navigating Lake Alpnach due to often windy and wavy conditions. The route can continue along the bridge towards Horw. Please pay attention to ship traffic.

1.0 km:
The route continues to Hergiswil along the impressive Lopper rock. A bit of distance from the shore is recommended. 

2.5 km:
The Hergiswil ship station appears just after the Hergiswil Glasi. Beware of scheduled ships.

3.5 km:
In Hergiswil, after the town hall (orange building), there is a beautiful rest area directly in front of the Steinibach inflow. A barbecue area is available and toilet facilities can be found directly at the town hall.

4.0 km:
At the end of the village lies the Hergiswil beach bath with a driving ban (swimming zone). Paddle outside the yellow buoys. On the route towards Horw, there are now repeatedly small gravel places to land. 

5.5 km:
At the end of the Horw bay, there is a driving ban zone marked with yellow buoys (swimming pool and nature reserve). It is advised not to paddle all the way through the bay but to cross the lake side about 200-300 m beforehand. The exit is on the eastern lakeside.

6.5 km:
The exit is located at the drainage ramp next to the Seehotel Sternen.




Good to know

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Stansstad - Hergiswil - Horw

Tour information

  • Stop at an Inn

Equipment

For canoe routes on the lake, sea kayaks or open canoes are suitable. Sea kayaks are generally faster and more sporty, while canoes offer a more relaxed ride. Both types of boats offer the possibility to carry luggage. Essential for canoe routes on the lake are life jackets and weather-appropriate clothing. In particular, make sure to have sufficient cold protection (e.g., fleece, neoprene, waterproof jacket). Spare clothes are also recommended, which can be very useful in case of capsizing. A mobile phone (packed waterproof) and a small first aid kit should also be carried on every tour.

Directions & Parking facilities

Parking available at General-Guisan-Quai
Stansstad train station (train and post bus), about 1 km away

Additional information

Accommodation:
TCS Camping Horw (about 900 m walk from the exit / direct exit at the camping site is not possible due to nature reserve zone)

Canoe Rental

Kanuwelt Bouchs

Author

Reto Wyss (Kanuwelt Buochs)

Organization

Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Safety guidelines

Weather
The weather development over the entire route should be observed. The rain radar from MeteoSchweiz is especially helpful. In uncertain weather conditions, it is better to paddle shorter distances with various landing spots. Adapt clothing to the weather (sun, rain, and cold protection). 

Water, Wind, and Waves
Like any other lake, Lake Lucerne is constantly subject to changing conditions. For canoe routes, water temperature, wind, and waves are crucial. Tours should only be attempted by experienced canoeists if the water is cold (below 15° Celsius). In strong winds and/or waves, stay near the shore or, if necessary, disembark and wait for the wind and waves to subside at the shore.

Storm warning: There are 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 over 60 km/h.

Safety
Besides natural hazards like wind and waves, other traffic participants on the lake must be especially observed. Scheduled ships and professional fishermen, as well as sailboats and swimmers, always have the right of way over canoeists. Keep distance from all other (motor) boats and maintain eye contact when crossing paths.  

Nearby

Contact

Stansstad-Horw
6362 Stansstad