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About this place
Bürgenstock is a mountain rising 1,128 m above sea level on the shore of Lake Lucerne, in the municipality of Ennetbürgen in the canton of Nidwalden, Switzerland. It draws visitors for its grand resort, a cliffside walking trail and Europe's tallest outdoor lift.
What is there to see at Bürgenstock?
The mountain climbs straight from the lake, and its edge offers views over open water, headlands and the Alps of central Switzerland. A large hotel and conference complex has stood on the slope since the late 19th century and is now called Bürgenstock Resort. It sits roughly 600 m above the lake and serves as the starting point for local walks.
The Felsenweg rock path
Built between 1900 and 1905, this trail follows the cliff face from the resort to the Känzeli viewpoint. It is 2.2 km of gravel path and takes about an hour. No special gear is needed, though sturdy shoes help on the exposed stretches.
The Hammetschwand lift
Beside the path stands the Hammetschwand lift, opened in 1905 and billed as the highest outdoor lift in Europe. In under a minute it carries passengers about 153 m up to a lookout at around 1,132 m. It lets you shorten the walk and step out right at the top of the rock. In summer it usually runs from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm; in winter, and in rain, wind or ice, it stays closed.
How do you get to Bürgenstock?
Most visitors start in Lucerne. In summer, boats cross to the Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock landing, and a funicular climbs from there to the resort. A postbus also runs from Stansstad. The nearest sizeable village at the foot of the mountain is Ennetbürgen.
When is the best time to visit?
The season runs from spring to autumn. According to the Nidwalden tourism board the trail is open May to October, and the lift and mountain restaurant reopened on 3 April in 2026. Other sources give April to November, so check the operator's current status before you travel. A clear day gives the best views.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Bürgenstock? The mountain stands at 1,128 m; the Hammetschwand lookout is at about 1,132 m.
How long does the Felsenweg take? The path is 2.2 km and takes around an hour.
Does the Hammetschwand lift run all year? No. It operates in the summer season and closes in winter and bad weather.
Can I get there without a car? Yes. Take a boat from Lucerne to Kehrsiten and the funicular to the resort, or a postbus from Stansstad.
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