Waldstätterweg Stage 1 (Brunnen to Vitznau), Central Switzerland
This hike ticked all the boxes for a solo late spring hike: tough, long but not too longer, gorgeous panoramic views of the lake the entire way, and not too far from civilization (you know, just in case). The trail officially starts by the lake in Brunnen, in Canton Schywz, following trail #98. As with most non-alpine trails, this one had sections that were through towns or on main roads, but I don’t think that took away from the overall beauty of the hike. Once you leave Brunnen and ascend up into the lakeside forests, all the city life and traffic noise melts away. Fair warning, there is a mini “cliff walk” near the start of the trail, where you’ll be walking on a suspended metal grate bridge that is affixed to the side of the mountain. But I trust Swiss engineering with my life (literally), so I had no problems.
There are views of snow-capped mountains, charming little lakeside villages (Gersau marks the halfway point, and seems like a weekend destination in its own right), cows and goats, even a little trailside cheese and honey stand. I dropped seven francs into the basket and took home a jar of Zitronenhonig. I was hot, sweaty and happy as a clam by the end of it. It’s possible (and faster) to take a bus and train from Vitznau back to Zurich, but this is certainly the place to take the long way home. If you’ve never taken the ferry ride from Vitznau to Lucerne, you are in for a treat. It’s one of my favorites.
Pro tip: if it’s a hot day, bring sandals and/or bathing suit to chill by the lake in Vitznau while you wait for the ferry.
Start: Brunnen Bahnhof
End: Vitznau (with bus and ferry connections)
Basic Route: Brunnen - Gersau - Vitznau
Length and Rating: Medium. 15 kilometers, 760 meter ascent, 4.5 hours.
