Seelisberg: Trails, Lake and History

Seelisberg lies on the slope above Lake Lucerne; the municipality extends from the lakeshore to the Oberbauenstock. The Treib-Seelisberg-Bahn is a steep funicular railway in Seelisberg and offers views of the lake. When choosing a hotel in Seelisberg, you can first consider whether hiking routes, water activities or cultural history will shape your stay. The trails differ in length, approximate duration and ascent and descent, among other things; chapels, historic buildings and the Rütli add further themes to the landscape.

Hiking between viewpoints and the Seeli

The Tannwald circular trail is 4.6 kilometres long and takes about 70 minutes; the ascent and descent total 130 metres. The Oberwald circular trail covers 11.5 kilometres, takes about 200 minutes and has 477 metres of ascent and descent. It is an extension of the Förstertrail. The two routes therefore differ in approximate time required, length and elevation gain.

The Oberberg circular trail offers a different kind of scenery: it leads through natural meadows and forest to the Scheidegg viewpoint. From there, the view stretches across the Seelisberger Seeli to the Fronalpstock. The Oberwald circular trail heads towards the Seelisberger Seeli, which invites you to cool off briefly during the summer months.

The Förstertrail first passes the Maria Sonnenberg pilgrimage chapel, then continues along natural pastures and through the forest. The Chänzeli and Höch Flue viewpoints offer further vistas. This makes it possible to combine different sections of the trail with specific viewpoints, while comparing Tannwald and Oberwald provides a guide to time and elevation gain.

There are various options on the water, too: at the Seelisberg natural swimming area, you can rent rowboats, pedal boats, SUPs, canoes and kayaks on site. The Seeli is therefore a feature of both the Oberwald circular trail and a visit to the natural swimming area; cooling off is specifically described for the summer months.

Chapels, local history and the Rütli

The Chapel of St. Lawrence was built around 1530, together with Beroldingen Castle, by Landammann and knight Josue von Beroldingen. A long-standing tradition is also associated with Beroldingen: a procession from Seelisberg to Beroldingen has taken place every year since 1772. Another historical milestone relates to the Maria Sonnenberg Chapel. A new, larger chapel was commissioned in 1665 and consecrated in 1667. The Förstertrail passes this pilgrimage chapel.

The Grand Hôtel and Kurhaus Sonnenberg was built in 1875. Transcendental Meditation has been practised there since 1968; current arrangements may change. If you are interested in visiting, check the current options in advance. Another viewpoint also connects landscape and cultural history: Marienhöhe served as the model for a painting in the Federal Palace in Bern.

The Rütli is a meadow on the shore of Lake Lucerne, within the municipality of Seelisberg. In Swiss tradition, it is associated with the legendary founding of Switzerland. Those interested in the history of the area can also visit stops on the Seelisberg-Rütli history trail in the village. Stops 5 to 10 are accessible with a pushchair and wheelchair; this information applies specifically to that section.

Regional impressions

A visit to the mountain cheese dairy offers an insight into how Seelisberg cheese is made. It includes a presentation and a tasting of three different cheeses, accompanied by a welcome drink. Local cuisine also includes fish dishes from Lake Lucerne, as well as regional and seasonal dishes. Together with the trails, viewpoints and historic sites, these offer various ways to decide what to focus on during your stay in Seelisberg.

Discover more destinations: Realp, Silenen, Gurtnellen, Wassen, Altdorf, Attinghausen, Flüelen, Isenthal

To the regional travel overview: Uri.