If you have been pondering where to go on a nice, but more intense cycling route along the lake, look no further! Here are three great cycling routes that cover most of the coast of Lake Lucerne and even go a little inland.
But if you are looking for more check out Veloland.ch which is Switzerland`s national website (available in English, German, French and Italian) providing detailed information to their network of routes for not only cycling, but also hiking, skating, mountain biking and canoeing as well.
Luzern-Brunnen (along the south coast)
This route is stage three of the national North-South route (Basel-Chiasso). The first stretch winds its way along the lake via Hergiswil and Stansstad to the medieval town of Stans. Here the four different venues of the Nidwalden museum offer you the chance for a break. Among them are the lovely 18th-century Rosenburg residence and the fortress of Fürigen, which was used by the Swiss army in the Second World War and now offers a glimpse into the life of soldiers stationed there.
The route countinues east from Stans to Beckenried where you take the boat across the lake to Gersau. Close to Gersau is Vitznau, where there is another fortress used in the Second World War. A short detour takes you there. This route officially ends in Flüelen, but as the last stretch along a busy and narrow road is considered dangerous, it is recommended to end in Brunnen.
Distance: 50km (40km to Brunnen)
Difficulty: medium
Signposted: “Nord-Süd-Route 3”
Zug-Sarnen
This route is a stage of the 9 Seen-Route (Montreux-Regensdorf). It takes in a triple whammy of, not only, Lake Lucerne but also Lake Zug and Lake Sarnen. The route heads south from Zug through Cham and Emmen to the halfway point in Luzern, in time to treat yourself to a well-deserved local brew at the riverside. Another interesting stop along the way is the Glasi glassworks in Hergiswil, south of Luzern, while Alpnach, on the last stretch from Stansstad to Sarnen, is a staging point for a trip up Mount Pilatus.
Distance: 60km (of which 13km unpaved)
Difficulty: easy
Signposted: “9 Seen-Route”
Luzern-Brunnen (along the north coast)
This route is stage three of the Luzerner Hinterland-Rigi routes. The route leaves Lucerne eastwards and takes you along the north coast of Lake Lucerne to lovely Meggen and from there to Küssnacht of Rigi fame. Then it`s onto Weggis, Vitznau and all along the coast to Brunnen. From Brunnen you can take a boat trip to the historically significant Seelisberg Rütli, where the Swiss Confederation was founded 724 years ago.
Distance: 40km (of which 1km unpaved)
Difficulty: medium
Signposted: “38 Luzerner Hinterland Rigi”
