lake Lucerne and three Alpine Lakes Found in Canton Uri
My 3 ideas for exploring Canton Uri’s Mountain Lakes
Canton Uri is a historical gem covered in mountains and dramatic gorges; edged with the famous Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Luzerne). In summer idyllic alpine lakes are often warm enough for swimming in with plenty of hiking paths passing alongside, leading towards the surrounding mystic mountains.
1)
Arnisee
At 1370 metres above sea level, Arnisee lies on a sunny terrace, with a backdrop of mountain peaks; surrounded by forests and meadows. It has everything for a fun day out or an adventurous hike. For more information go to www.arnisee.ch (German).
You can do a hike to Alp Furt which is at 1760m with various other hikes in the area that lead to SAC huts for an overnight stay such as Leutschach Hut (2208m) & Sunniggrat Hut (1978m).
Getting There: 1) 3 minutes walk from the Intschi-Arnisee Gondola’s mountain station. 2) approx. 20 minutes from the Amsteg Arnisee mountain station. Both gondolas can be reached by using the Amsteg exit ramp 38 on the A2 north/south motorway. More information on Outdooractive website
2)
Lake Seeli
Frozen Lake on a warm winter’s day
The lakeside is deserted in the colder months
Lake Seeli is a large mountain lake tucked into an idyllic natural setting. A visit can be combined with a cruise on Lake Lucerne and then a funicular ride up to the small town of Seeliberg. There are also walking trails that lead to great views and BBQ spots (see below).
In Summer
It is possible to swim and camp here. The car-free campsite offers simple facilities – including showing and washing rooms.
Getting There and Lake Bathing Info:
Boat/Funicular/Bus:
Boat from Lucerne to Treib (1 hr 50), funicular to Seelisberg then bus 311 to Seeli or Geissweg bus stops (5 mins).
Boat from Brunnen to Treib (8 mins), then funicular and bus (as above).
Road:
From Lucerne via Stansstad to Lake Seeli (A2) – about 35 mins.
The immediate area is car-free but with parking facilities around 10 minutes walk away (with a parking fee).
Lakeside swimming times: Mid-May to early September. Available daily from 8.30 am – 6.30 pm. Swimming is only allowed from the Lido area.
Facilities: Toilets and changing cabins, grilling spots, kiosk/restaurant, camping ground for tents with showers, etc. (no cars or caravans allowed).Space for 100 tents.
Costs: There is a small charge for access to the lake (Badi)unless you are camping.
Circular Hike in the hills and forests around Lake Seeli
The views from this walk are very typically Swiss. These are the kind of views you see in travel brochures or on tourism websites – panoramas of mountains reflected in stunning lakes with small villages dotted around the green foothills.
The great thing about this destination is that it is relatively hidden away from places like Lucerne and the many day-trippers and tour groups that take over this region in the high season.
I personally recommend using public transport as I found the trip by boat and Post Bus just as enjoyable as the hike.
I did this circular walk in mid-March. The weather had warmed up after a winter with lots of snow and the sun was out so perfect weather for the hike.
Good to Know
After 3 km (after crossing Dorfstrasse), the track becomes steep with zigzag paths upwards to 1083 metres. In 2 km you ascend approx. 270m. There are plenty of benches dotted along the trail for rest stops.
Highlights
- The forests – peaceful and wild with plenty of moss-covered boulders and sidetracks for exploring.
- Plenty of benches and BBQ facilities complete with woodpiles and sometimes even paper to start the fire. (Only BBQ in the allocated areas – Understandably making your own firepits is not permitted…
- Vistas of the lake and mountains – at every turn.
- Peace and Quiet – this track has sections that are quite hidden – and offers small diversions here and there if it is a busy hiking day.
- Lake Seeli – with swimming and camping (only tents) facilities. Water temperatures in mid-summer go up to 24C. Warning – this is a car-free site – see above for more info on this lake.
3)
Golzernsee
Up from the Maderanertal (Maderan Valley) at 1411m above sea level
Golzernsee overlooks the Maderanertal (Maderan Valley). Most people pass by the entrance to this valley, transiting on the main north/south A2 motorway but this area has a stunning alpine environment worth stopping for. There are plenty of walking possibilities with the impressive Golzernsee as a stop-off point for swimming and picnicking.
Getting to the lake:
Option 1: It is possible to hike from the beautiful Maderanertal Valley up to the lake, although this is a steep path and a reasonable level of fitness is needed. You also have an option to take a small gondola from Bristen at the start of the valley, up to Golzern. From there, the walk to the lake is easily done in about 30 minutes. Warning: This place is popular for the Swiss and on Sundays and public holidays the waiting time for the cable car can be up to an hour.
The area around the lake has meadows, BBQ spots and seating, public toilets and a platform on the water.
Transport Information
Car: Turn off at Amsteg (exit 38), and continue to drive east, following the Kärstelenbach this road has a switchback section early on. The Bristen gondola is about 12 minutes drive into the valley. Post bus: Amsteg Post to Bristen Kohlplatz (sbb.ch). Gondola: Go to the Golzern gondola’s website for the timetable and other info.
Option 2: From the tiny village of Silenen, a small open-air lift – more like a large trolley than a Gondola – goes up to the Golzern alpine meadows, lake and trails. This unique form of transport goes from Silenen to Chilcherberge. Hiking option: Is possible to walk from the top of the Chilcherberge to the Golzern – Bristen gondola and bus out of the valley (the gondola mentioned above). See the hike option below.
Transport Information
Car: Turn off at Amsteg (exit 38), over the Reuss River, then turn left, in the direction Altdorf, then follow the navigation system’s directions to Luftseilbahn (gondola) Chilcherberge (Badly signposted last time I looked). Public Transport: Train to Erstfeld and then bus to Silenen, Dägerlohn. Go to sbb.ch for the timetable. Open-air Gondola: Go to chilcherbergen.ch or the cantons’s website uri.ch.
Vierwaldstättersee (Lake Lucerne) – the boats and excursion ideas
Return of the Nostalgic Flagships
Unterwalden Paddle Steamer (1902)
May 2021 saw the return of the historic fleet of paddle steamers that have been off the water since 2019 due to a comprehensive overhaul of the whole fleet.
The PS Stadt Luzern is the flagship of the fleet and has had various famous passengers and some great stories to tell. For more information go to lakelucerne.ch – the Steamboat Stadt Lucerne page.
For a detailed description of each boat from Lake Lucerne Navigation Company’s fleet see their website:
www.lakelucerne.ch/en/your-cruise-experience/explore/our-fleet/
Choosing your ship
On the Lake Lucerne website, it is possible to find which ship is being used for your chosen trip – either a motorboat or a steamship. Either go to lakelucerne.ch and choose Your Cruise Experience in the menu then Roundtrips or go to the link here. There are filters available to help with finding the cruise type.
Or, for timetable or various offers and cruises available go to: lakelucerne.ch
Discounted Fare Options
Boat Trips are covered with the Swiss Travel Pass (Flex) and the Half-Fare Card. There is a charge for excursions but they are discounted.
Boat Trip ideas:
Late afternoon and evening tickets for all scheduled cruises departing from Lucerne are discounted – naturally, this does not include special event cruises. Click on the Happy Hour ticket link for more details.
Available for all timetabled cruises from 4:30 pm
Scenic Cruises on the Modern Saphir Yacht
You can book an hour’s cruise around the harbour area of Lucerne onboard the Lake Lucerne navigation company’s modern Saphir Yacht. This has a seating capacity of 80 & a total capacity of 300.
Highlights
- Modern design
- Upper deck
- Drinks and snacks are available.
- Audio guide in several languages advising of local attractions and landmarks.
Information (April 2024)
Leaves from: Pier 7 at Schweizerhofquai (northern side of the road bridge).
Operates: see link for times and dates (seasonal times).
Duration: 1 hour
Half-card, Junior-card and Swiss Pass excepted
Reservations are not possible for the Saphir cruise.
Either the Modern MS Diamont or one of the 5 paddle steamers are used for the sunset cruise which lasts 2 and a half hours. The boat leaves daily at 6.45 pm from Pier 1 – check the header’s link for cruising dates, prices and general information.
Excursion to Seelisberg and the Rütli Meadow
The simple meadow with a large flag . . .
Take the boat from Brunnen across to Treib. From here it is possible to take a funicular up further to the village of Seelisberg, then walk down the side of the mountain to the historical meadow of Rütli. This place has a special meaning to the Swiss as it is where the Oath of the Swiss Confederation was made in 1291. The boat trip and hike can be done in both directions – with a side trip to Seeliberg town or Seeli lake.
If you want to explore the area more and make the most of the views see Lake Seeli in the Alpine Lake section above.
This boat across takes about 10 minutes but can be combined with other trips around the lake. See sbb.ch or lakelucerne.ch for more details.
Queen of the Mountains Round Trip
It is possible to purchase a ticket for a round trip up to one of mount Rigi’s peaks – Rigi Kulm.
The excursion starts with a boat cruise from Lucerne to the lakeside town of Vitznau, then with a combination of mountain railways and a cable car to bring you up to the top of Rigi & back down to the town of Weggis. Then by boat again from Weggis to Lucerne.
The route for this trip is …
Lucerne-Vitznau-Rigi Kulm-Rigi Kaltbad-Weggis-Lucerne
Note: Half-cards, GA and Children’s travelcards are accepted
Another option:
Try setting your own timetable. I did this with a return trip to Rigi Kaltbad and managed to get a good price (with a half-fare card).
Acknowledgements:
Golzerensee photo credit: uwelino Der Golzerensee via photopin (license)
Sunset over lake lucerne: Photo by Luca on Unsplash
Paddle steamer Unterwalden on Lake Lucerne: Photo by Dorothea OLDANI on Unsplash
