Hint

Intro

Pure hiking pleasure – the trail that is dedicated to Switzerland is just as diverse as the country itself.

Description

Although few people realise it, anybody enjoying the views from the Schillerbalkon of Marienhöhe at Seelisberg is being served the same panorama as the members of parliament in Bern, except in this case you are seeing the original. In 1901, Geneva painter Charles Giron immortalised all the locations of the Tell story from exactly this perspective in the mural he painted for the National Assembly Hall in Bern.

The path starts on the Rütli meadow, the birthplace of Switzerland, with the section that covers the founding cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne. As with half a dozen other stages of this 35-kilometre long “Swiss Path”, the meadow is reached comfortably by boat – and you can arrive in style on one of five steamboats.

Climbing the 850 steps to Seelisberg definitely takes a bit of effort, as does the descent. Palm trees, figs and all sorts of exotic flowers grow in Bauen, which has an almost Mediterranean climate due to its sheltered position. Bauen locals are proud of the fact that the composer of their national anthem, “Trittst im Morgenrot daher”, was born here. The birthplace of Father Alberik Zwyssig does not, however, owe its fame to this reason alone. Today, it houses the renowned gourmet restaurant Zwyssighaus.

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
Rütli
Destination
Bauen
Direction
One way
Ascent
503 m
Descent
503 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
2 h 55 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
April - November
Theme
With panoramic view, Along Water
Category
Active, Education, Hiking, Nature

Map

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

Quick Facts

Route number

Distance

9 km

Duration

2 h 55 min

Ascent

503 m

Travel information: Rütli

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: 15.04.2026 - 10.10.2026

    Learn more about Ticket funicular Seelisberg from Treib
  • Brunnen Team Event Raft Building at Lake Lucerne

    In your team, you'll build a raft and then test it out together on a trip across Lake Lucerne. This... from CHF 1,400
    Offer details


    valid: 19.04.2026 - 30.11.2026

    Learn more about Team Event Raft Building at Lake Lucerne
  • Brunnen Ice Bathing in Lake Lucerne

    You will immerse yourself in the cold of Lake Lucerne together with your guide in a controlled... from CHF 195
    Offer details


    valid: 16.04.2026 - 12.06.2026

    Learn more about Ice Bathing in Lake Lucerne
  • Brunnen Urmiberg Paragliding Lake Lucerne Region

    The Rigi region is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Admire the beautiful landscape from a... from CHF 200
    Offer details


    valid: 15.04.2026 - 14.10.2026

    Learn more about Urmiberg Paragliding Lake Lucerne Region
  • Schwyz "The Omega Codex" Outdoor Escape Experience Schwyz

    This escape experience takes you and your team all across Schwyz. You spend an hour searching for... from CHF 14
    Offer details


    valid: 15.04.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about "The Omega Codex" Outdoor Escape Experience Schwyz
  • Beckenried Klewenalp ticket from Beckenried

    The cable car takes you from Beckenried to Klewenalp in 10 minutes. It climbs 1150 meters in... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 14.05.2026 - 10.10.2026

    Learn more about Klewenalp ticket from Beckenried
  • Vitznau Submarine Diving Trips for Companies

    You dive as part of a company event in a submarine to a wreck located deep in Lake Lucerne.... from CHF 7,600
    Offer details


    valid: 01.05.2026 - 30.11.2026

    Learn more about Submarine Diving Trips for Companies
  • Arth-Goldau Experience tandem flight in Central Switzerland

    Discover nature from a bird's eye view on an experience tandem flight in Central Switzerland. It's a... from CHF 200
    Offer details


    valid: 15.04.2026 - 15.02.2027

    Learn more about Experience tandem flight in Central Switzerland
  • Buochs Winter Kayak Trip Lake Lucerne

    You paddle in winter with a sea kayak over Lake Lucerne. While doing this, you enjoy the wintry... from CHF 135
    Offer details


    valid: 17.04.2026 - 18.04.2026

    Learn more about Winter Kayak Trip Lake Lucerne