A trip to the Felsenweg and Hammetschwand Lift is a great one to do both with and without kids.
The Felsenweg is an easy hike offering impressive and unparalleled views of Lake Lucerne.
How to get to the Felsenweg and Hammetschwand Lift
There are several ways to get to the starting point including by ship followed by the Bürgenstock Bahn Funicular.
If driving, head up Mount Bürgenstock towards the luxurious newly renovated 5 star hotel Bürgenstock Resort (Audrey Hepburn got married here!).
We parked at Parkhouse 2 (5chf first hour and a whopping 8chf for every hour after).
Take the lift up to the lobby and upon exiting the hotel entrance turn left.
Just a short walk ahead and you will see signs pointing towards the start of the Felsenweg on your left.
The Felsenweg
The Felsenweg up to the Hammetschwand Lift is an easy walk to do with kids as it is mostly flat and fairly broad.
Our 3 year old managed to do 90% of the 30 minutes stretch each way without being carried. The other 2 smaller ones were in the baby carriers.
Although possible to do the Felsenweg with a stroller, there were some stairs we had to climb en route to the Hammetschwand Lift.
The path also has little stones throughout so make sure you have a stroller with sturdy wheels should you decide to bring one.
We were treated to unrivalled views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains the entire way.
Hammetschwand Lift
Constructed between 1900 and 1905, the Hammetschwand Lift is Europe’s highest outdoor lift.
Taking you up 152m above to a height of 1132 Meters above sea level, you will certainly experience your ears popping as you take in the breathtaking views of lake, mountains, towns, villages, woods and meadows.
No wonder it has attracted the prominent figures worldwide such as Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Indira Gandhi, Jimmy Carter and Charlie Chaplin.
It costs 10chf one way and 13chf return for adults. 5chf one way and 6.50chf return for children ages 6 to 16.
My impressions
I have heard of the Felsenweg for the longest time and very glad we finally did it.
What a gorgeous and easy scenic walk it was to do with the kids.
There is a self-service restaurant at the top of the lift or you can bring a picnic with you.
You can continue on a hike at the top or take the lift back down and head onwards towards the famous Villa Honegg. Check out this blog for more info on this route.
Bonus tip: We decided to go for a picnic and a swim in Lake Sarnen just 20 minutes drive away instead. Look for Strandbad Sachseln in your GPS.
Not only is it free, it has a great playground as well as a miniature train for kids overlooking the lake too.
A great way to beat the summer heat!
We spent the night in Meiringen and explored the area the next day.
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