The seven stages of Route 1291 can be started in Lucerne via Brunnen in the direction of Altdorf or through the Lucerne Seetal valley towards Sursee. Or would you rather complete individual stages? That works too!

The alpine sections of Route 1291 are an impressive experience: Stages 2 and 3 cover approximately 110 kilometres from Altdorf to Meiringen via Andermatt, and these enjoy an excellent reputation among cyclists. Special highlights include the Furka Pass road, which Sean Connery drove over as James Bond in “Goldfinger”, as well as the legendary Teufelsbrücke, or Devil’s Bridge: legend has it that the devil himself helped build the first bridge over the Schöllenen Gorge. Before you reach Meiringen, it is well worth making a detour to take in the impressive Aare Gorge.

At 1,611 a.s.l, the Glaubenbielen Pass can swiftly be conquered. A mule track has led from Sörenberg to Giswil since as early as the Middle Ages, when it was solely for transport on foot or by mule.

Listen to the sounds of nature. They fill the air on early summer mornings.

This route connects many Swiss historical sights, such as the Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation, the William Tell Monument and the surprising old towns of the Lucerne countryside. From the collegiate church of St. Michael in Beromünster, whose history dates back to the 11th century, look towards Lake Baldegg to see the oldest dwelling in the canton of Lucerne.

The airy meringues in Kemmeriboden-Bad, the fresh sheep’s milk products from Schafbuur in Entlebuch and the original Willisauer Ringli cookies from Café Amrein in Willisau make for ideal companions. And to top off Route 1291, a treat for the taste buds awaits in the vineyards near Heidegg Castle.

After a refreshing break, you can go on a guided tour to discover the rich history of the collegiate church of St. Michael.

The etymology of the local dialect is rooted in folklore: according to legend, two brothers built a town, and when it was finished, one asked the other what it should be called, to which the latter replied: Mir isch glych, wi d s duu witt, will i s ou (“I don’t care what you call it, I’ll call it that too”)

Willineshôwo was mentioned for the first time in 1101. An Alemannic farming settlement existed 200 years before that. 

Discover the old town of Willisau on a city tour.

The castle tower is the oldest known residential building in Lucerne – a stone structure dating from 1192. However, it was not until over 100 years later that the sun-kissed hill opposite the castle was planted with vines. Heidegg Castle is considered particularly beautiful because, unlike all of the other castles in the Seetal valley, it was never destroyed by war. So why not enjoy this beauty with a glass of the outstanding produce from the Heidegg vineyard?

Route 1291 consists of seven stages. However, an eight-day round trip still needs to be well planned out in advance. After all, the highest point of the route is over 2,400 metres above sea level. Anyone who might find the Furka Pass or Grimsel too strenuous can decide at short notice to hop onto the postal bus instead. 

In addition, if you want to take things a little easier, you can choose to complete individual stages. The shortest of these is 41 kilometres long, while the longest stage extends over 100 kilometres. Stages five to seven, from Sörenberg to Lucerne via Entlebuch and Sursee, are recommended for leisure cyclists. 

1. Lake Lucerne
2. Lake Uri
3. Grimselsee
4. Lake Lungern
5. Lake Mauen
6. Lake Sempach
7. Lake Baldegg

1. Lucerne: Max Chocolatier
2. Brunnen: Brunnen lakeside restaurant
3. Uri: Gotthard inn
4. Andermatt: Sust Lodge Andermatt
5. Marbach: Alpine dairy
6. Entlebuch: Schafbuur
7. Willisau: Café Amrein