This countryside wander near Lucerne is a great choice for spring or anytime for a budget hike with mountain views.
The hike is part of the multi-stage Alpina Panorama Trail. This section traverse the hills just east of Lucerne city, with Mt Rigi and/or Mt Pilatus in view for most of the walk.
Quick Info
| Region | Lucerne |
| Start: | Meierskappel, Dorfplatz bus stop |
| End: | Lucerne city |
| By car: | parking at Rotkreuz train station, then bus to Meierskappel, Dorfplatz bus stop From Zürich 30 mins, Lucerne 20 mins |
| By public transport: | Meierskappel, Dorfplatz bus stop From Zürich 37 mins, Lucerne 14 mins |
| Trail: | 4h30 • ⬇️ trail map |
| Distance: | 16.7 km one way (shorter versions below) |
| Difficulty: | moderate • 560m up 621m down |
| Condition: | gravel and paved roads, some footpaths with uneven terrain |
| Elevation: | 435m to 800m |
| Open: | best April to October • trail status on SchweizMobil |
| Cost: | train to connect ends of hike, parking fees |
| Services: | restaurants in villages along the way, water fountains |
| More info: | SchweizMobil • weather • webcam |
Gallery
My pics are from our hike the first weekend of April. It will be nicer later in April when the fruit trees are blooming and meadows more full of wildflowers.
Trail overview
This hike is part of the Alpine Panorama Trail, a multi-stage trail across Switzerland.
Stage 10 is Zug to Lucerne, 30 km. We shortened the trail by starting in Meierskappel, a short bus ride from the Rotkreuz train station.
You can shorten the trail even more by catching a bus in one of the villages along the way.
Hiking map
The map below shows the trail starting at the Meierskappel, Dorfplatz bus stop and ending at the Luzern train station. We think you get the best views hiking this direction.
See map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
Shorter versions
For a shorter day, you can hike just 7km to Udlingenswil, Alte Post and catch the bus back to your starting point. This section includes the Michelskreuz chapel and Schnausi-Wagon honesty cafe.
You can also get the bus at Adlingenswil, Dorf (10.8).
Longer version
My hike is part of the longer Alpine Panorama Trail Stage 10: Zug to Lucerne, which is 30 km long. See full Alpine Panorama Trail.
How to get there
This one way trail is located just east of Lucerne city.
This is a one way trail that starts at Meierskappel, Dorfplatz bus stop and ends in Lucerne city.
By public transport:
Take a train to Rotkreuz train station.
Then Bus 73 from Rotkreuz, Bahnhof Süd to Meierskappel, Dorfplatz to start the trail (5 min ride, departs every 30 mins, check schedule).
By car:
We parked at the Rotkreuz train station. Then took Bus 73 from Rotkreuz, Bahnhof Süd to Meierskappel, Dorfplatz to start the trail (5 min ride, departs every 30 mins, check schedule).
You end the hike in Lucerne, where you can take a train back to Rotkreuz. Trains depart about every 16/30 mins, travel time 13-17 mins, check schedule.
Planning your day
When to go
You can do this hike all year round. It’s a good choice for spring, especially in April when the fruit trees are blooming. In summer, it would be fun since you have the change to swim in the lake near the end of the hike.
Costs
Your only costs are for parking and/or train to connect the ends of the trail.
In 2026, we spent CHF 14 on the Luzern Altstadt parking garage for 6 hours. The one-way train tickets from Luzern to Horw were CHF 3.40/adult with Half Fare Card.
Farm shops
There are several self-service farm shops along the way where you can buy cheese, honey, jam and other farm products. Some accept TWINT, others cash only.
Where to eat
If you want to picnic, there are a few picnic areas with fire pits and endless benches at scenic points. If you need picnic supplies, best to go to the Coop at the Luzern station as there are no services in Horw.
If you end in Luzern, there are many restaurants in the city. In summer, there are a few cafes at the parks near the city.
If you end in Horw, you could eat at Seehotel Sternen Horw, which has a nice outdoor terrace for their restaurant. It’s about a 15 min walk from the Horw train station.
Photo story of trail
Here’s the bus leaving from the Rotkreuz train station.
And arriving at Meierskappel to start the hike.
Follow signs for Route 3: Alpina Panoramaweg, direction Udligenswil.
Views of Mt Rigi right from the start.
Walking up a country road.
Looking across the lowlands towards Zürich.
Small detour to Michaelskreuz chapel.
Loved this hand-drawn panorama map.
I liked this trophies made from wood instead of animals. Restaurant Michaelskreuz could be a stop for coffee, but it was closed when we walked by.
You can scan the Wander Trophy code to log that you visited this spot.
Self-service cafe
The little trailer is the Schnausi-Wagen, a self-service cafe, pay with cash or TWINT.
They have an espresso machine, fridge with cold drinks, cakes, ice cream and other snacks.
You can enjoy your treats at this cute table with a view of Rigi.
Back on the trail.
Lots of busy bees and a farm selling honey (cash only).
Passing through Udligenswil
After about 2 hours, you reach the Udligenswil village. There is a bus stop here if you are done hiking. Otherwise, continue following the green Route 3 signs towards Luzern.
Lots of cute houses in this town.
Now Pilatus is closer every minute.
Dipping down to a busy road, then back up into the hills.
Friendly cows.
On a paved road for a bit.
The house on the left is a cafe during summer season. Not open yet on Easter weekend in early April.
Walking thru Adligenswil
After another hour, we pass through Adligenswil. There are restaurants, groceries, and a bus stop here.
There was a surprising amount of traffic on this country road, not my favorite.
A quick stop at the self-service farm shop.
Now walking by a golf course, stay on the marked path and watch out for golf balls.
Looking back at the farm.
Continue following the Route 3 signs to Luzern, headed into the forest.
Now we can see Lake Lucerne.
Passing by Kloster St. Anna Gerlisberg.
Now descend to Luzern city.
Walking by an old aquaduct.
Arriving in Lucerne
The trail drops you on the main road leading back to Lucerne. You can catch the bus here at the Dietschiberg stop and skip next 25 mins along the lakeside promenade into the city.
But walking back along the lake is very beautiful, if crowded.
Looking back on the promenade.
End your walk at the train station. Or go into the city for lunch. We like Mill’Feuille or La Bestia for pizza.
