The Swiss Path Stage 3: Flüelen to Sisikon

The Flüelen-Sisikon section of the Swiss Path follows the southeast shore of Lake Luzern, with almost continuous views of the lake and surrounding mountains. I liked this section more than I expected and would definitely recommend it, particularly for spring since this is at lower elevation.

Most of the trail is on dirt paths near the water, often in forest, with a few stairs and switchbacks but not particularly difficult. There are plenty of places to picnic and build a fire and a very nice playground near the start. 

We didn’t love the few parts of the trail join a busy road. But the other parts are so nice, with such beautiful views that I’m willing to overlook that downside. 

This hike is just one part of “The Swiss Path,” aka “Weg der Schweiz,” was built to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation. The whole Swiss Path is 35 km, but is broken into 7 sections, each easily accessible by public transportation, so you can walk as little or much as you like. See my overview of the entire Swiss Path.

Hiking Map

This trail is Stage 3 of the long distance “Weg der Schweiz” shown below. Stage 3 goes from Flüelen (5) to Sisikon (6) – the 6.8 km of the full 35 km. Each stage is accessible by public transportation, so you can start and stop where you like. 

This is a one way hike, starting in Flüelen and ending in Sisikon, about 6.8 km. 

See interactive trail map on Komoot.

From Flüelen, the trail starts on a quiet road along the lake, passing through a little neighborhood. Then the trail turns to dirt and winds its way along the lake shore, often in forest, with plenty of views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

After about 4.5 km, you reach the Tell’s Chapel, a little church with murals depicting the Wilhelm Tell story. There is a lakeside restaurant here and some big bells that play songs every hour on the hour.

From here it’s about 2.5 km to Sisikon, where you can catch the train or ferry. There were a few picnic areas with fire pits along this section.

The one downside is that the path parallels a busy road cut into the cliffs above. So you can often hear some road noise, but it’s not too bad. Also a few times, the path joins the road and you must walk on a sidewalk along the busy road for a short stretch, then head back down on the dirt trail. This is not ideal, but it wasn’t as bad as I expected.

There are restaurants, cafes and WC in Flüelen, Tellplatte, and Sisikon. There are a few picnic areas with fire pits and wood between Tellplatte and Sisikon.

This hike is not suitable for strollers, but Stage 2 of the Swiss path is.

How to get there

This is a one way hike, starting in Flüelen and ending in Sisikon, about 7 km. There is train service between Siskon and Flüelen (runs about once an hour), to return you to your starting point. The ferry also connects Flüelen, Tellplatte (in the middle) and Sisikon, but the ferry runs very infrequently so check the schedule beforehand. We parked in Flüelen, hiked to Sisikon and took the train back to our car.

By car: Drive to Flüelen and follow signs to the train station and ferry dock. Park in the metered parking adjacent to the train station. It’s about CHF 4 for several hours. Hike to Sisikon and take the train or ferry back to Flüelen. You could also take the train or ferry at the start of your hike so you don’t have to worry about the infrequent schedule.

By public transport: Take the train to either Flüelen or Sisikon and start your hike there.

Photo story of the trail

Starting in Flüelen at the ferry dock and train station.

It would be nice to arrive here by boat, either from Brunnen or Lucerne.

Very nice playground here as well as a cafe and WC (small fee).

Follow the green Weg der Schweiz #99 signs here and later the small yellow signs to Sisikon.

Starting on the lake promenade.

Then on a paved road through a quiet neighborhood.

Then into the forest.

Under the busy road above.

Back in the forest under the road.

Joining the road briefly.

The path leaves the road and wraps around the cliffs.

Stones marking when cantons joined the confederation, I think.

Hiking down to the lake again on some switchbacks.

Briefly along the train tracks.

Before you reach Tell’s chapel, there is a big grassy field with this Glockenspiel, or bells, that ring for 10 mins at the top of every hour. You can enter codes to choose which song it plays. See it in action in our video. We loved this part!

Down some stairs to Tell’s chapel.

Murals in the chapel depicting the story of Wilhelm Tell.

The Tellsplatte ferry dock and restaurant. You could catch the ferry here but it only comes a couple times a day. So check the schedule beforehand.

Nice section on the lakeshore.

First picnic area we saw and a very nice one with two fire pits, wood and benches.

Another picnic area not far from the one above.

Lots of benches with views.

Almost to Sisikon, shown below.

Arriving in Sisikon, where you can catch the train or ferry. If you need a train ticket, the machine is at track 2 through this tunnel.

That’s it for today. See The Swiss Path: Overview for information about the other sections of this trail.

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