Hint

Intro

This stage leads down to Seedorf following the Swiss Path (Weg der Schweiz), which comes from Rütli and leads via Flüelen to Brunnen. The whole route and the Rütli are visible on the descent to Bauen. Interesting small castles and mansions along the route.

Description

Seelisberg is a small holiday resort with a stunning view of lake Lucerne. The Rütli meadow is also part of the municipality. The village can be reached by postbus or by a nostalgic funicular railway from the lakeside village of Treib (with boat station and bathing beach). In the Haus zur Treib, first mentioned in 1482, the five towns of the Old Confederation held 72 meetings. The historic stage starts in Chilendorf. The trail is lined with lovely vantage points, including the Marienhöhe, which can be reached through the Rütliwald forest, the first legally protected natural forest reserve in the canton of Uri. At the resting place, you enjoy the view of the Rütli, the Kleine and Grosse Mythen as well as the Fronalpstock. The founding of the Swiss Confederation took place on the Rütli in 1291. The clearing, slightly elevated and not far from the lakeshore, was the place where the representatives of the original cantons swore the Rütli Covenant in 1291. This defined the joint action against the foreign bailiffs in their valleys.

Some 15 minutes later, you leave the forest and see the small Seelisberg lake further down the valley. In summer, you can swim here. There is also an idyllic camping site by the lake. The trail continues downhill on a paved road for about 20 minutes. From Brunni, there are more than a thousand well-laid steps down to Bauen. The village belongs to the municipality of Seedorf on the southernmost bay of the Uri part of lake Lucerne. Thanks to its sheltered location, Bauen enjoys a mild climate. Mediterranean plants such as palms, figs and banana trees thrive here.

Continuing along the shore - alternately on the road, on nature trails or through tunnels - you reach the beginning of lake Lucerne and the Reuss delta after another two hours. For more than five years, three islands were heaped up here with excavated tunnel material from the Gotthard massif. Together they are about the size of a football field. The last section follows the Reuss to Erstfeld, mostly on gravel roads. Before the opening of the Gotthard railway in 1882, traders with their horses passed by the village for centuries. At that time, however, it was hardly known. Only with the 57-kilometre-long Gotthard tunnel did Erstfeld become an important railway location. Large depot and track facilities were built to accommodate additional locomotives. This was the only way the heavy trains could negotiate the Gotthard ramp.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Seelisberg
Destination
Erstfeld
Direction
One way
Ascent
300 m
Descent
620 m
Distance
24 km
Duration
6 h 10 min
Duration back
6 h 30 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Difficult
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

Trans Swiss Trail

Porrentruy - Mendrisio
Learn more about # title #

All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 20/32

Distance

24 km

Duration

6 h 10 min

Ascent

300 m

Travel information: Seelisberg

Current Offers

  • Seelisberg Ticket funicular Seelisberg from Treib

    The Seelisberg Railway takes you from the shores of Lake Lucerne in Treib up to Seelisberg. The... from CHF 11
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 30.01.2027

    Learn more about Ticket funicular Seelisberg from Treib
  • Brunnen Kayak or Canoe Rental at Lake Lucerne from Brunnen

    You can rent a kayak or canoe at the canoe station in Brunnen, right by Lake Lucerne. Kayaks are... from CHF 66
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 30.09.2026

    Learn more about Kayak or Canoe Rental at Lake Lucerne from Brunnen
  • Sisikon Wingfoil and wing surfing course at Lake Uri

    You will receive an introduction to wingfoiling and wing surfing and stay connected with your coach... from CHF 329
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 20.09.2026

    Learn more about Wingfoil and wing surfing course at Lake Uri
  • Sisikon Starter Day Wingfoil & Towfoil Combined Day Course at Lake Uri

    You will receive a starter day with an introduction to wingfoiling and towfoiling. The course is... from CHF 449.10
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 20.09.2026

    Learn more about Starter Day Wingfoil & Towfoil Combined Day Course at Lake Uri
  • Gersau U-boat Dive to Transport Barge from Gersau

    You dive with a U-Boat 200 m deep to the hundred-year-old wreck of a transport barge. The... from CHF 1,800
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 30.11.2026

    Learn more about U-boat Dive to Transport Barge from Gersau
  • Emmetten "Panorama flight" paragliding Lake Lucerne from Emmetten

    Your panoramic flight starts at Kulm Niederbauen at 1575 m above sea level and lasts 10-20 minutes.... from CHF 180
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 31.10.2026

    Learn more about "Panorama flight" paragliding Lake Lucerne from Emmetten
  • Rickenbach b. Schwyz Hiking combination "Moorwälder Ibergeregg"

    Ascent with the Rotenflue railwayOne-way journey by AAGS bus from Oberiberg to RickenbachCoffee and... from CHF 26
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Hiking combination "Moorwälder Ibergeregg"
  • Isenthal Hiking with goats in Isenthal

    Spend a great time in nature with goats in Isenthal. Enjoy a hike with funny wandering goats,... from CHF 380
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 02.08.2027

    Learn more about Hiking with goats in Isenthal
  • Altdorf Hiking holidays Tell-Trail

    Luggage transfer, travel documents, navigation app, SchweizMobil-Plus subscription from CHF 1,095
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 27.09.2026

    Learn more about Hiking holidays Tell-Trail
  • Buochs Private wakeboarding or wakesurfing Lake Lucerne

    Use one session to do the water sport of your choice. Ideally, three people can do water sports per... from CHF 660
    Offer details


    valid: 22.08.2026 - 30.09.2026

    Learn more about Private wakeboarding or wakesurfing Lake Lucerne