Lake Lucerne

Lake Lucerne (German: Vierwaldstättersee, Polish: Jezioro Czterech Kantonów) at Ennetbürgen is a bay of one of Switzerland's best-known lakes. The village sits in the canton of Nidwalden on the southern shore, below the Bürgenstock massif.

What is Lake Lucerne?

A lake in central Switzerland covering roughly 114 km², with a shoreline of 115 km. It ranks fourth among the country's lakes by area. The deepest point is 214 m in the Uri basin, and the average depth is 117 m. The lake holds about 11.9 billion m³ of water, which is renewed in around 3.4 years. Five cantons share its shores: Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Lucerne. The lake is made up of several linked basins, and the Ennetbürgen area belongs to the Gersau basin, which runs from Brunnen to this village.

What can you see in Ennetbürgen?

The Engelberger Aa river flows into the lake at Ennetbürgen. In the village centre, near the boat harbour and the post office, you will find the Strandbad Buochs-Ennetbürgen lido. The beach is small, covered in fine gravel, and has showers, changing rooms and sun loungers, with lifeguards on duty. Check hours and facilities locally before you go.

Above the water rises the Bürgenstock, a mountain almost completely surrounded by the lake. Its summit lookout is the Hammetschwand, with views over the lake and the surrounding peaks.

How do you spend time at the lake?

• Walk or hike to the Bürgenstock. The trail starts at Postplatz in Ennetbürgen and follows a scenic path from the Schiffländi landing. It is about 8.1 km and takes around 3 hours 10 minutes, passing St. Jost and the Känzeli viewpoint.
• Take a boat trip. The MS Bürgenstock catamaran runs from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock, where the Bürgenstock funicular climbs to the resort. Timetables are on lakelucerne.ch.
• Swim. In summer the Ennetbürgen beach is an easy way to spend a few hours by the water.

How do you get there?

Ennetbürgen lies across the bay from Lucerne. The simplest route is via Lucerne, then onward by road or by boat on the lake. Check the operators' timetables for exact connections.

Frequently asked questions

How many cantons border the lake?

Five: Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Lucerne. The Polish name, "Lake of the Four Cantons", refers to the four historic cantons at the heart of the early Swiss Confederation.

How deep is the lake?

Up to 214 m in the Uri basin, 117 m on average.

Can you swim in Ennetbürgen?

Yes. The Strandbad Buochs-Ennetbürgen lido has showers, changing rooms and lifeguards.

How do you walk from Ennetbürgen to the Bürgenstock?

The trail from Postplatz is about 8.1 km and takes roughly 3 hours 10 minutes, via St. Jost and the Känzeli.