瑞士之路

At ten kilometres, the second stage of the Swiss Path is the longest, but as it follows the shore of the lake, it is also the easiest. On the section between Isleten and Flüelen, the lakeside path is fully accessible, making it possible for wheelchair users to enjoy the cultural trail.

The stage begins in Bauen, where the gables of its traditional central Swiss farmhouses face towards the lake. Lush gardens are home to palm trees, fig trees and other exotic plants. Narrow alleyways, terracing walls and small squares emphasise the Mediterranean panache, thanks to its lakeside location and frequent Foehn winds. Another special feature is that the village is vehicle-free and can only be reached via water by public transport.

Following the lake shore, you leave Bauen in a southerly direction. The hillside is overgrown with dense forest and becomes so steep that the trail continues through the mountain. You will find yourself in cool rock galleries with stunning views of Lake Uri. Part of the route on long wooden footbridges along the shore also runs parallel with the road. At Harderband, the path heads into the Experience Tunnel, which has been repaired after a rockfall. Light installations, graffiti and illuminated images recount Switzerland’s history and tackle themes including freedom, democracy and Swiss linguistic diversity.

The lake calls to you in Isleten. This is located on the flat delta of the Isentalerbach stream and has attractive bathing sites. Isleten is also popular with surfers because of the favourable wind conditions. The Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, produced explosives here from 1873. These were mainly used in the construction of the Gotthard railway tunnel.

You now continue on a superb gravel path along the shore in the direction of Flüelen. A number of benches and fire pits invite you to linger. On the shore, the water of the lake sloshes relentlessly against dark boulders. Another highlight awaits you behind the lake resort in the municipality of Seedorf. In the Reuss Delta nature protection area, fens, reed meadows, islands, shallow water areas, watercourses and ditches offer valuable refuge for rare plants and more than 200 species of birds, insects, mussels and fish. However, bathers are catered for here too. You can lay out your beach towel on the three Lorelei islands, which were created using material excavated from the Gotthard Base Tunnel.

After around two kilometres, the trail takes you right through the middle of the natural paradise. It is also worth going up the wooden lookout tower made of willow. You have a superb panoramic view of the lake, the mountains and the Reuss estuary from this architectural masterpiece by the Grisons architect Gion Caminada. From here it is just a stone’s throw to Flüelen, the destination for this stage. Rudenz Castle with its castle park that is open to the public, invites you to make a detour here. You can admire a mountain crystal exhibition in the former church, which now has a variety of uses.