5 Local Spots with Great Panoramic Views (that you may not know about…)

Let’s be honest. You don’t have to go very far to come across amazing panoramic views in central Switzerland. Every nearby peak affords a unique view of the geography of our adopted home. When I first moved here a few years ago I spent each weekend aimless driving the local roads. I wanted to explore the area and know it like the back of my hand. It became a regular occurrence during those drives to come across a spectacular panoramic perspective. I would pull the car off to the side of the road, get out, and enjoy the scene before continuing on. But I always made a mental note of these spots to show them off to visitors.

I’ve put together 5 of my favorite local spots to soak in the natural beauty of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. For each spot I’ve linked the exact coordinates to Google Maps (and I mean exact!), what you can expect to see from each vantage point, and how to get there. Some you can reach by car or public transportation. Some require some walking or hiking. All are worth it. Enjoy!

Location: 47.103581, 8.412168

What you can see: Zugersee, Mythen, Rigi, Bürgenstock, with the Alps in the background.

How to get there: Take Meierskappelstrasse out of Udligenswil, then take a left at Sonnenhof. There is a pull-off just as you reach the treeline where you can park and enjoy the view. You can either turn around and come back the same way or continue up the ridge, returning on a switchback road through Root.

Location: 47.060438, 8.341150 

What you can see: the full panoramic from Rigi to Pilatus with the Meggenwald in the foreground

How to get there: Either hike or drive up to the Sankt Anna’s Gerlisberg (near the Luzern Golf Club). Then take the trail to the right that goes through the forest. When you emerge on the other side of the forest the path leads toward another patch of trees. Instead, walk to the right to the top of the hill that overlooks Würzenbach.

Location: 47.027885, 8.327660

What you can see: this view has you looking straight down the lake with Rigi on the left and Bürgenstock on the right.

How to get there: This view is best seen as a reward for hiking up the hill. I usually park near the football fields and hike up through the Bireggwald. On the south edge of the tree line the trail wraps around but at the top there are benches and a spectacular panoramic of Lake Lucerne.

What you can see: from this vantage point you can look down the forested spine of Bürgenstock to the east. You will be able to see the narrowest point of Lake Lucerne as you straddle the link between the two halves of the lake

How to get there: The spot is only available on foot. You can either walk the Bürgenstock Falsenweg all the way to end (bypassing the elevator) or you could drive to the Hotel Honegg and follow the path up the hill. The spot has benches and a protective fence.

Location: 47.037520, 8.362239

What you can see: the full panoramic from Rigi to Pilatus

How to get there: walk or drive to the Schloss Meggenhorn and follow the footpaths through the gardens in the direction of Meggen. There are a few park benches, two wooden tanning beds, and at the end is a covered gazebo. Anywhere on that last stretch has a fantastic view.