From Luzern to Horw along the Waldstätter Trail

Saturday March 16 -- After many cold and rainy days, this day turned absolutely fabulous! We didn't need to go far, the weather was great everywhere.

We decided to hike another section of the Waldstätter Trail, a 115 km trail around the entire Lake of Luzern (Vierwaldstättersee). The section we picked was a 12-km stretch from Luzern around the Horw Peninsula on the West side of the lake. We were pleasantly surprised at the many splendid views we had across the lake and all over the mountains of Central Switzerland.

Other highlights were the many waterbirds and the large shipyard belonging to the SGV Navigation Company of Lake Lucerne. A great variety of ships there to observe, including some catamarans, gravel transports, and army boats! And of course barnyards and historical customs houses and ending with a little stroll through the Steinibachried, a marsh of national importance.

Even though much of the excursion was on paved ways or roads, I hardly noticed because of the many interesting things to see and of course the views. What I DID notice, was that it was almost too hot in jeans. Next time, I have to pack up the shorts just in case....

*** As it turned out the Wednesday next was also beautiful, so we returned to the end-point of this hike and continued along the Waldstätter Trail over the Renggpass to Alpnachstad. Pictures and description to follow in the next installment...

Link to album for the second section hiked the next day: Here

From the KKL Theater near Luzern Train Station, this is the view of Luzern

These steamboats offer public transport all over Lake Lucerne, especially in summer

The Luzern SGV shipyard. Very interesting to look at all the boats

Lots of waterfowl to observe

There are comfortable pathways all along the lakeshore with these views into the Uri Alps

Richard Wagner, the famous composer, made this his home for six years between 1866 and 1872. It is now a museum

All along the shoreline, these lovely views

Everywhere signs of Spring. Especially the Bear Garlic in the forest, that is a sure sign of Spring!

There is a short uphill climb, totally worth it as the views always get better. In the background, Mt. Rigi

Such villas also dot the countryside

More villas on large properties overlooking the lake

Zoomed view of the snow-capped Uri Mountains to the East

At this, the highest point of the walk, we had to sit for a long time to cool off. But the views were worth it!

Walking downhill again to the Horw Peninsula

To the West, the dominant local mountain: Mount Pilatus

Straight ahead to to South: Mount Stanserhorn

There are always interesting old buildings to look at

The trail doubles as a Theme Trail on a short section: Placards provide information about our Solar System

From this vantage point we can see the peak of Mount Bürgenstock, where there is a very special elevator that was built over a hundred years ago.

This zoomed view shows the Hammetschwand Elevator (highest outdoor elevator in Europe, built in 1905). We plan to try this out once the cliff walk is reopened (North side, so is closed in winter)

Pleasant walk along dry clean paths around the Horw peninsula

On the other side of the peninsula we descended to the town of Horw. This marsh is of national importance for preservation of various species of amphibians