The Swiss Path Stage 4: Sisikon to Brunnen

This is our favorite section of the Weg der Schweiz, a long distance path along the southern half of the Vierwaldstättersee (aka Lake Luzern). This final section is 9.5 km along the southeastern side of the lake, with big panorama views of the lake and surrounding mountains, passing through lots of beautiful farm fields.

Even though this section had a tough, steep climb at the beginning, we liked that it was less civilized than the other sections, away from busy roads and higher up on the mountain. This is a great choice for spring, when gondolas haven’t opened yet. We did this on 24.April 2019 and it was practically perfect, except the big rain storm at the end.

This trail passes through Morschach, where you’ll find the fantastic Swiss Holiday Park, with thermal baths and sports center. This might be a good reward for kids that need an incentive to hike.

Gallery

Hiking map

This trail is Stage 4 of the long distance “Weg der Schweiz” shown below. Stage 4 goes from Sisikon (6) to Morschach (7) to Brunnen (1) – the last 9.5 km of the full 35 km.

See my Swiss Path overview for info about the other sections.

Stage 4 is the most difficult section, with a tough climb at the beginning. But it’s not dangerous and would be fine for any child over 5 with hiking experience. We hiked it with five kids, the youngest was 9.

See interactive trail map on Komoot.

Shorter version:

On one occasion, it started raining heavily when we got to Morschach. So we skipped the last hour from Morschach to Brunnen and took the bus instead. This is a good option if your kids have reached their limit when you get to Morschach. This village also has the Swiss Holiday Park, with thermal baths and sports center, perhaps a reward for good hiking. 

The bus stop Morschach, Swiss Holiday Park is across the street from the Swiss Holiday Park. It runs hourly on the :44 and takes 9 mins to reach the Brunnen train station. If you parked your car in Brunnen, you can get off at the Brunnen, Kantonalbank stop.

Video of the trail

Short video of our hike on the Swiss Path in late April 2019.

See the full video on YouTube >>

How to get there

This is a one way trail, so you’ll need to rely on public transportation even if you are coming by car.

By train: Take a train to Sisikon, Bahnhof. The trail starts there. You end in Brunnen, where you can catch the train home from Brunnen, Bahnhof.

By car: I recommend parking in Brunnen, at the end of the trail, and taking a train to your starting point at Sisikon. You can park in the metered lot in Brunnen at Föhneneichstrasse, 6440 Ingenbohl. It’s a short 5 min walk to the train station as shown here.

This train runs about every hour and takes 8 mins.

By ferry: You could also take the ferry from Brunnen to Sisikon, which takes about 20 mins and is a little more fun than taking the train. It runs infrequently, so check the ferry schedule before heading out. In summer 2020, it typically runs at 10:11 and 13:11.

Planning your day

Services

There are no services along the trail, so bring the food and water you need for the day. There are two picnic areas with fire pits. 

In Brunnen, there are grocery stores and cafes where you can pick up supplies for your day. Near the parking lot, there is a Coop grocery at Bahnhofstrasse 36, 6440 Brunnen SZ. Across from the Brunnen train station, there is a large Migros grocery at Bahnhofpl. 19, 6440 Brunnen SZ. There are a variety of bakeries and ice cream shops along the main street.

In Sisikon, there is one bakery on the main road Feinbäckerei Hauger but their hours are limited. At the train station, there is a public toilet and water fountain.

In Morschach, there is a Kiosk at the Swiss Holiday Park where you can get snacks and ice cream. There is a also small grocery at Axensteinstrasse 5, 6443 Morschach.

Photo story of the trail

Trail Signs

In general, follow the green 99 “Weg der Schweiz” signs as shown below. You are hiking direction Morschach & Brunnen. 

Pay attention to signs that indicate detours on the trail, especially in spring as they do trail maintenance. We went in late April and there were two detours, one for a landslide and one for construction. There were signs about these detours at the train station and on the trail, the detours were clearly marked and didn’t cause any problems. When in doubt, just follow signs to Morschach & Brunnen.

From Sisikon train station, walk on the paved road up the hill, following trail signs. 

The trail crosses this bridge.

Then lots of stairs up the mountain.

You’ll pass by this shooting club.

Looking back down to Sisikon where we started. 

A bit through the trees, but mostly you have clear views to the lake and mountains.

Lots more stairs up the hill. Our crew was getting discouraged.

But such pretty views!!!

Dirt road meandering along the side of the mountain.   

The only downside, lots of powerlines disturbing the view.

Due to an earlier landslide, we had a detour on this forest section. There were warning signs about possible landslides, so not advised after heavy rain.

So pretty both on the trail and across the valley.

Looking back down to Sisikon, we have climbed about 450m of elevation.

Looking back on the last bit of climb on the trail.

Picnic Area

When you finish the climb, you reach this picnic area. There is a picnic table with benches under a shelter.

There is a fire pit with a grill. I didn’t see the wood, but normally there should be wood provided. But bring matches and fire-starters.

Back on the trail

The trail continues past these farmhouses.

Lots of drama on the other side of the lake.

Looking back where we came from.

Easy walking on the gravel road.

Descending to Morschach & Brunnen

Now we can see our destination, Brunnen, on the lakeside.

Joining a road leading into Morschach.

The final path leading to Morscach.

Arriving in Morschach.

As I mentioned earlier, it started raining heavily when we got to Morschach. So we skipped the last 2km of the trail and took the bus to Brunnen, about a 9 min ride. The bus only runs once an hour, so you might have to wait.

More Swiss Path…

See our Swiss Path Overview for info about other sections of this trail.