Bürgenstock Cliff Walk & Hammetschwand Lift from Lucerne

Ride Europe's highest outdoor elevator after a cliff-side walk with lake views.

This small-group tour from Lucerne combines a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne, a ride on the historic Bürgenstock Railway, and a 1-hour walk along the Felsenweg cliff path to the Hammetschwand Lift: Europe's highest outdoor elevator. The guide speaks English, French or German. All boat, funicular and lift tickets are included. The trail is easy and well-maintained, suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bürgenstock Cliff Walk and Lift Tour

• Boat ride across Lake Lucerne
• Ride Bürgenstock Railway up mountain
• Walk the Bürgenstock Felsenweg trail
• Ride Hammetschwand Lift to viewpoint
• Return to Bürgenstock
• Boat ride back to Lucerne

The experience

The day starts with a catamaran crossing Lake Lucerne from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock, with the mountains rising around you the whole way. From the dock, the historic Bürgenstock Railway carries you up the mountainside in a short scenic ascent. Once at the top, you step onto the Felsenweg: a 2.2-kilometer cliff-side path that hugs the rock face and opens onto views of the lake and the Alps spreading out below. The trail is easy and well-maintained, taking about an hour to walk.

The Felsenweg leads to the Hammetschwand Lift, a dramatic outdoor elevator that climbs straight up the cliff face to a panoramic viewpoint. From the top, the lake and surrounding peaks fill the horizon. After taking in the views, you return the same route back to Bürgenstock, then retrace the boat and railway journey to Lucerne. Your guide travels with the group throughout, speaking English, French or German depending on the departure you book.

All tickets (boat, funicular and lift) are included in the price, so there are no stops to buy entry. The whole experience runs about four and a half hours from start to finish. Infants can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome.

What’s included

• English, French or German-speaking Swiss guide.
• catamaran ticket across Lake Lucerne.
• Bürgenstock Railway funicular ticket.
• Hammetschwand Lift ticket.

Before you book

Days and timesMondayDeparts at 09:45

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (6 to 15 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SwissTravelGuide.ch

Is this one for you?The English, French or German guide means you follow the commentary in your own language without translation delays. Book this if you have a free afternoon in Lucerne and want the lake and mountain views without a strenuous hike. The Felsenweg is easy enough for most fitness levels, and the outdoor elevator is the payoff.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 15 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the walk on the Felsenweg cliff path?

The Felsenweg is 2.2 kilometers long and takes about 1 hour to walk. The trail is easy and well-maintained, with no scrambling or steep sections.

What is the Hammetschwand Lift and why is it special?

The Hammetschwand Lift is Europe's highest outdoor elevator, rising up the face of a dramatic cliff. It carries you to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Lake Lucerne and the Alps. The views are the main reason to ride it.

Does the tour include the boat ride and train tickets?

Yes, all tickets are included: the catamaran across Lake Lucerne, the Bürgenstock Railway funicular, and the Hammetschwand Lift. You pay nothing extra at any stop.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit?

Yes, the Felsenweg is easy and well-maintained, and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The walk is only 1 hour on a gentle cliff-side path with no steep climbs.