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: 07.07.2026 - 01.01.2027

    Learn more about Ticket funicular Seelisberg from Treib
  • Morschach Pilgrimage in the footsteps of Francis and Clare

    We walk paths that Franz and his brothers have already taken. The daily existential experiences with...
    Offer details


    valid: 03.09.2026 - 11.09.2026

    Learn more about Pilgrimage in the footsteps of Francis and Clare
  • Brunnen Ice Bath Event in an Artificial Ice Bath for Groups

    You join together as a team to experience an ice bath. Prepared tubs or other containers are... from CHF 1,500
    Offer details


    valid: 05.08.2026 - 12.06.2027

    Learn more about Ice Bath Event in an Artificial Ice Bath for Groups
  • Brunnen Outdoor ice-bathing event for groups

    You and your team take part in a nature-based ice bath experience. It creates unforgettable moments... from CHF 700
    Offer details


    valid: 05.08.2026 - 12.06.2027

    Learn more about Outdoor ice-bathing event for groups
  • 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: 07.07.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about "The Omega Codex" Outdoor Escape Experience Schwyz
  • Vitznau U-boat dive to the wreck of the Vitzanove

    You dive in a submarine into Lake Lucerne at approximately 94 meters deep off Vitznau. There, the... from CHF 980
    Offer details


    valid: 08.07.2026 - 30.11.2026

    Learn more about U-boat dive to the wreck of the Vitzanove
  • 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: 08.07.2026 - 30.11.2026

    Learn more about Submarine Diving Trips for Companies
  • Vitznau Sledding Rigi day ticket incl. train ticket

    The day pass gives you unlimited access to the toboggan runs on the Rigi. Bring your own sled or... from CHF 84
    Offer details


    valid: 16.12.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Sledding Rigi day ticket incl. train ticket
  • Wirzweli Fear of heights training "Brisen" (1 day)

    In this one-day fear of heights training course, you will learn about tools that will help you to...
    Offer details


    valid: 18.07.2026

    Learn more about Fear of heights training "Brisen" (1 day)