Bürgenstock and Hammetschwand: the must-knows

  • Bürgenstock is a luxurious resort on a mountain ridge near Lucerne, with great views of northern Lake Lucerne.
  • If you’re looking for a budget viewpoint, Bürgenstock is perfect. Travel passes allow discounted or free rides.
  • If you want to splurge: you can dine, book a spa treatment, shop or visit the cinema.
  • There’s a footpath to the famous Hammetschwand lift: a steep elevator attached to the vertical rocks.
  • We don’t recommend the lift if you suffer from fear of heights.
Min. time required: 2:30
Season: all year
Recommended season: early April to mid November
Max. altitude: 1115 m (3658 ft)

What is Bürgenstock? Copy link to clipboard

Bürgenstock is a mountain ridge with a luxurious resort above Lake Lucerne, at a 40- to 45 minute trip from Lucerne.

The resort offers hotels, spas, restaurants and terraces. But Bürgenstock is also an easy-to-reach and affordable viewpoint. You'll find great hiking trails here, including the path to the famous Hammetschwand elevator.

In addition, the journey to Bürgenstock is scenic and diverse. You can get there by funicular from a ship pier on the lake, and by bus from Stansstad. Boat and train segments complete your trip.

Prices and reservations Copy link to clipboard

Bürgenstock prices in 2024 - without a rail pass

Regular prices per person for a return trip between Lucerne and Bürgenstock are as follows:

  • by train and bus via Stansstad: CHF 15.60 
  • by boat and funicular via the ship pier "Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock": CHF 61.60. A Saver Day Pass can be cheaper, if you puchase it well in advance.

If you only need a return bus ride from Stansstad, this costs CHF 8. A return trip by funicular from Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock costs CHF 34. 

Bürgenstock prices in 2024 - with a rail pass

Several rail passes, such as the Swiss Travel Pass and the Tell-Pass, cover all routes to and from Bürgenstock. Find a full overview of rail pass benefits for this excursion here.

Where to buy your tickets

If you need tickets, you can buy them online, at the Bürgenstock funicular stations, and from the bus driver.

Reservations

You don't have to make reservations for this trip. But if you want to dine in one of the restaurants, we advise you to contact them and ask if a reservation for your travel party, date, and time are recommended.

An overnight stay in one of the Bürgenstock hotels can best be booked well in advance.

Get your tickets for Bürgenstock Copy link to clipboard

Book your tickets with and without rail pass discounts here. Or find a tour that suits your needs.

From Lucerne: Mount Bürgenstock by Ferry and Funicular
From Lucerne: Mount Bürgenstock by Ferry and Funicular
Mountains, Scenic boat trip
Catch the ferry from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock and connect with the funicular railway that links the lake and mountain-top resort. Ride the funicular to discover one of Europe's finest Alpine leisure facilities.

Offered by GetYourGuide: www.getyourguide.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Best Price Matching: GetYourGuide will pay the difference if you find a lower price.
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Short Catamaran Cruise with the Bürgenstock shuttle boat from Lucerne
Short Catamaran Cruise with the Bürgenstock shuttle boat from Lucerne
Mountains, Scenic boat trip
Discover the glittering Lake Lucerne and the surrounding area on this one-hour round trip by boat from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock.

Offered by Swiss Activities: www.swissactivities.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
Traditional Funiculaire
Mount Bürgenstock Independent Tour from Lucerne
MountainsIndependent day tour
Enjoy a spectacular day: start by taking the ferry from Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock which connects with the funicular railway that links lake and mountain-top resort, where you will find one of Europe's finest Alpine leisure facilities.

Offered by Viator: www.viator.com

  • Easy, online, free cancellation in most cases
  • Lowest Price Guarantee: Viator will refund the difference if you find a better price.
  • Extra Support: if you buy here, MySwissAlps can also assist if you have questions about your order.
This list includes external links to our trusted partners.

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Save money with your rail pass Copy link to clipboard

The below rail passes offer discounts or even free traveling to Bürgenstock.

PassDiscount
Day Pass Discount 50%:
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock to Bürgenstock (funicular)
More information:

Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock (boat): free. Stansstad to Bürgenstock (bus): free. Hammetschwand lift: no discount.

Eurail Global Pass No discount:
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock to Bürgenstock (funicular)
More information:

Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock (boat): 50% discount. Stansstad to Bürgenstock (bus): no discount. Hammetschwand lift: no discount.

Interrail Switzerland Pass No discount:
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock to Bürgenstock (funicular)
More information:

Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock (boat): 50% discount. Stansstad to Bürgenstock (bus): no discount. Hammetschwand lift: no discount.

Saver Day Pass No discount:
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock to Bürgenstock (funicular)
More information:

Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock (boat): free. Stansstad to Bürgenstock (bus): free. Hammetschwand lift: no discount.

Swiss Half Fare Card Discount 50%:
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock to Bürgenstock (funicular)
  • Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock (boat)
  • Stansstad to Bürgenstock (bus; for short rides, the discount may be lower than 50%)
More information:

Hammetschwand lift: no discount.

Swiss Travel Pass Discount 50%:
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock to Bürgenstock (funicular)
More information:

Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock (boat): free. Stansstad to Bürgenstock (bus): free. Hammetschwand lift: no discount.

Swiss Travel Pass Flex Discount 50%:
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock to Bürgenstock (funicular)
More information:

Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock (boat): free. Stansstad to Bürgenstock (bus): free. Hammetschwand lift: no discount.

Tell-Pass Summer Free:
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock to Bürgenstock (funicular)
  • Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock (boat)
  • Stansstad to Bürgenstock (bus)
  • Hammetschwand lift included
Tell-Pass Winter Free:
  • Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock to Bürgenstock (funicular)
  • Lucerne to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock (boat)
  • Stansstad to Bürgenstock (bus)
More information:

Hammetschwand lift: no discount.

How to travel to Bürgenstock Copy link to clipboard

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How does the timetable work?

There are two ways to reach the resort: by bus from the railway station of Stansstad, and by a funicular that leaves from the boat dock "Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock". Both routes take 40 to 45 minutes from the Lucerne railway station.

Option 1: funicular from the boat dock Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock

Take a boat to the dock "Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock". There are modern, direct shuttle boats between Lucerne and Kehrsiten. A single ride takes about 30 minutes. Many of the regular boats on Lake Lucerne stop at Kehrsiten as well.

A funicular, called the "Bürgenstockbahn", leaves right next to the pier. It takes you up over the steep slope between the lake and the Bürgenstock resort. 

Find all details of boat trips at Lake Lucerne here.

Option 2: bus or car from Stansstad

There’s a direct bus leaving from the railway station of Stansstad, which is a 26-minute train ride from Lucerne. The bus ride over a winding asphalt road and through meadows takes approximately 20 minutes.

Get out at the stop "Bürgenstock Zentrum", unless you have specific plans for which one of the other bus stops in the resort is more suitable.

Arrival by car from Stansstad is an option too. There are underground parking facilities near the hotels.

Maps with bus and funicular routes to Bürgenstock

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Operation dates, schedules and timetable Copy link to clipboard

Operation dates for the Bürgenstock funicular and bus

Bürgenstock can be reached year-round. The funicular runs nearly all year long and the bus is available in all seasons. 

Boats at Lake Lucerne operate on all days of the year too.

Opening dates of the Hammetschwand lift

The Hammetschwand lift is operational from 29 March 2024 to early- or mid-November 2024. The exact dates depend on weather conditions. The elevator can be closed at any time due to bad weather. Sudden maintenance closures may occur too.

Planning your trip in the timetable

The Swiss timetable allows you to plan all sections of your Bürgenstock excursion. Use these names: 

  • "Bürgenstock Resort" for the funicular station at Bürgenstock
  • "Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock" for the boat dock and the funicular valley station
  • "Stansstad" for the bus stop in Stansstad
  • "Bürgenstock Zentrum" for the bus stop at Bürgenstock. There are more bus stops in the resort. They're called "Bürgenstock, Ost", "Bürgenstock, Residenzen" and "Bürgenstock, Waldhotel". Which one's best depends on your plans.

Best season for Bürgenstock Copy link to clipboard

Bürgenstock is accessible all year round. The best season for a visit is early April to mid November. That's when the Hammetschwand lift is usually operational, so you can add the spectacular lift ride to your Bürgenstock excursion.

Bürgenstock is at low altitude for Swiss standards, so snow in the resort in winter is not guaranteed. But if weather cooperates, you can enjoy lots of winter activities in the area. And the views of the snow-capped mountains all around are beautiful!

Weather forecast for Bürgenstock Copy link to clipboard

Bürgenstock isn't very high, but low clouds can still block the views. So check weather forecasts shortly in advance. Temperatures in the resort are a bit lower than down in the valley, but there are mostly no huge differences.

If you plan to hike, prepare well and make sure you have the right gear.

Short-term forecast for Bürgenstock

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Combining Bürgenstock and Hammetschwand with other activities

You can easily combine a short visit to Bürgenstock with many other activities:

  • If you travel up or down via funicular, a boat trip over Lake Lucerne is part of your excursion. Travel back to Lucerne, or cross the lake to Weggis and Vitznau for an additional visit to Rigi.
  • Another way up or down is by bus from Stansstad. From there you can quickly reach the Stanserhorn.
  • Find all activities in the area here.

Bürgenstock FAQ

  1. What’s the view from Bürgenstock like?

    Bürgenstock offers wonderful views towards the north. You’ll see the a large part of Lake Lucerne, Lucerne itself, Mount Rigi, and the gentle hills north of this area.

  2. What to expect from the hotels and restaurants?

    Hotels and restaurants are the main features at Bürgenstock. There are three luxury hotels, some with spa facilities. In addition, you can book spacious apartments with fantastic lake views in separate buildings.

    Visitors have a wide choice of bars and restaurants, all with different cuisines. The options range from Swiss specialties to oriental meals.

  3. Which indoor activities are available?

    Apart from dining and spending the night in one of the hotels, you can watch English movies in the cinema of the Bürgenstock Hotel. Sports classes, spa facilities, wellness treatments, and culinary workshops are at your disposal as well. Luxury shopping for Swiss products is possible in the arcade.

  4. Which outdoor activities are available?

    Sports lovers can use the alpine golf court or join a guided outdoor trip. The options include hiking, biking, and adventure sports. In winter, several fun snow activities are offered.

    If you want to hike, you don’t have to book a guided hiking tour. You can explore the trails by yourself too.

  5. What is Villa Honegg?

    Villa Honegg is a luxurious hotel with a panoramic terrace in the Bürgenstock area. You can get there on foot from Bürgenstock, for example via a circular hike that includes the Hammetschwand lift. Alternatively, you reach the hotel-restaurant by bus, car or the hotel’s shuttle service from the village of Ennetbürgen.

Hammetschwand lift FAQ

  1. What is the Hammetschwand elevator?

    The Hammetschwand elevator is an iconic outdoor lift in the Bürgenstock area. The elevator, which was built in 1905, is attached to a steep rock wall high above Lake Lucerne. It can be seen from afar, even in the evening when it’s lit.

    The Hammetschwand lift functions as a quick transfer between hiking trails near Bürgenstock. The lift’s frame consists of glass and steel. This allows you to keep enjoying the views, while you’re ascending 152 vertical meters at an impressive speed.

  2. How to reach the Hammetschwand lift?

    You can reach the lower access to the lift via the so-called “Felsenweg” (“Rock Path”) from the Bürgenstock resort. This is an easy trail above Lake Lucerne with information about the history of the Bürgenstock area, available via QR codes. It takes about 45 minutes.

    You can choose between several paths: either gradually curved, or with steep stone steps.

  3. What’s at the top of the elevator?

    You’ll find a cozy restaurant with a terrace, and you can continue hiking in several directions. You’ll have wider views of eastern Lake Lucerne than from Bürgenstock.

  4. Is the Hammetschwand elevator scary?

    The lift is well-monitored according to Swiss standards. To us, it’s not scary: we think it’s a very special experience and we love the wide views through the glass exterior. Plus, the ride is over before you know it. We don’t recommend it if you suffer from fear of heights though.

Other websites of interest

Schedules

Prices

  • issuu.com: Bürgenstock funicular ticket prices
  • issuu.com: Hammetschwand lift ticket prices

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Annika
Page author: AnnikaSince early childhood I've been visiting Switzerland during my holidays and I just fell in love with the country. I spent many summers in the Bernese Oberland, which still feels like my second home, and then started to explore other areas. Traveling, hiking and photographing in the Swiss Alps are my absolute favorite activities.