The region lies in the geographical centre of Switzerland and is particularly remarkable for its entrancing mountain landscape with wide valleys and crystal-clear lakes. Other jewels in its crown are the world-famous city of Lucerne and its villages steeped in history.

We can assume that if William Tell had had more time, he would have chosen to follow this trail through central Switzerland. It starts in Altdorf at the William Tell monument. Taking a wide loop and accompanying tumbling rivers, it then goes via Muotathal and Stoos way up to the Fronalpstock. Keen hikers then take on the Rigi, the Pilatus and the Stanserhorn and, after a visit to Engelberg and Melchsee-Frutt, end their trek on the Brienzer Rothorn. There is a link below to the detailed route description. 

Further information

One of the most beautiful parts of the Tell-Trail is the fifth stage, beginning in Stans. To climb the Stanserhorn you start off in a nostalgic old-time funicular, which is then followed by a world first: the double-decker CabriO®Bahn. Passengers on its open upper deck can enjoy the fresh mountain air and an unobstructed view of the Alpine landscape – a unique travel experience. You can stop off for a bite to eat in the revolving restaurant and, so fortified, set off again.

From the Stanserhorn there's initially a descent skirting the Chli Horn as far as the Ächerli pass. Then the trail climbs up through the enchanting Arviwald to Arvigrat, at 2,000 metres. That's the toughest bit done. The three-and-a-half hours of effort are richly rewarded: the view from the ridge path is spectacular! Anyone wanting to enjoy the impressive panorama would do well to pause briefly, because it's a steep drop on either side. So sure-footedness and a head for heights are a must. To the left, an impressive view of the Engelberg valley and the mountains of Nidwalden, and to the right, the idyllic landscape of Obwalden, with the Sarnersee glittering in the sunshine. The Tell-Trail continues on over the Gräfimattgrat to the Gräfimattstand, then along the imposing Schingrat down to the halfway point, Alp Lauchern, at 1,938 metres.

Melchior, known as Melk for short, greets you with a friendly “Grüezi”. With his wife Agnes, he lives up here from the beginning of June to the end of September, tending his cows and his land, while offering bed and board for his guests. Speaking of food: the “Älplermaggronen” taste delicious and are a worthy reward for the almost five-hour hike to get here. Meanwhile, the sky and the clouds turn orange, red and violet in the light of the sun's last rays. Gradually the bright colours fade into darkness and the sparkling stars take their place – how wonderful to be able to spend the night up here.

Alp Laucheren

The highlight of today's section is the spectacular Wagenleis wind gap. But before that, you go past Agnes and Melk's peacefully grazing cows on the 2,106-metre high Schluchberg. A sensational panorama opens up here: the Rigi, Titlis, Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau and many other imposing peaks rise up all around you. 

This astonishing experience will make your heart skip a beat. What you need to do now: pack your poles and sticks away, put your mobile somewhere safe, and concentrate to the max. The already narrow ridge trail leads uncompromisingly and steeply down along jagged rock outcrops and just as steeply back upwards. Chains, ropes and metal steps are provided to help you along. If you feel confident, you should certainly stop a minute to enjoy the beautiful view down into the Melchtal and Engelberger valleys that opens up between the high rock faces.

After the short but intensive upward scramble, you continue along a narrow path along the Schluchi ridge, your recent effort forgotten. There are even sheep grazing on the slope a little further along. At the Chrüzibödmer, the path goes steeply downhill through the woods to the Lachengrätli ridge. The well-marked trail skirts the western flank of the Storegghorn and climbs up to the Storegg pass. Above the idyllic Lutersee lake, it's worth taking a break to build up energy for the final ascent, because it's a long way up to the highest point of the tour – the Bocki at 2155 metres. Up here, the stillness, the panoramic view and the ancient landscape once more reign supreme. With the Titlis ever in sight, the path then drops down via Untertübsee to Engelberg, and back to civilisation.

Ridge hike

The individual stages are also suitable as one-day excursions with friends or family and shorter options are available by using mountain railways and public transport. These mountain railways themselves are something quite special: with the world’s steepest cog railway, the oldest mountain railway in Europe and the world’s first revolving cable car, the Lucerne-Lake Lucerne region is the home of spectacular record-breaking mountain transport. A variety of hotels, mountain huts and establishments offering tasty local specialities will provide you with all the comfort and sustenance you need during your long-distance hike.