Brunnen is a locality in the political municipality of Ingenbohl on Lake Lucerne, in the district of Schwyz in the canton of Schwyz. Along the lake, waterside paths and boat services meet the history of a harbour town. There is also the climb to the Urmiberg. If you choose Brunnen as your base, you can focus on different activities: a boat trip and hike, a walk around the locality, cultural stops or an excursion to higher ground.
Lakeside and boat trips
A walk through and around Brunnen follows the lakeshore, the Leewasser and the Muota. Along the way, there are views of Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. The lake is not the only focus: the two waterways are also part of the route. The stretch of Lake Lucerne between Brunnen and FlĂĽelen is shaped by steep shores and striking rock formations, creating a fjord-like landscape closely connected with Swiss history. From the Lake Lucerne photo spot, you can see the RĂĽtli, the Urirotstock and the village of Seelisberg.
Tickets for boat trips on Lake Lucerne are available in Brunnen from spring to autumn. The information at pier 1 lists Weggis, Vitznau (Rigi), Brunnen and FlĂĽelen as destinations. A circular trip on the Swiss Path combines a boat ride to the RĂĽtli stop with a hike via Seelisberg and Bauen, followed by a boat ride back to Brunnen. If you are planning this combination, check the timetable in advance and allow for the boat sections when planning your schedule.
From the lake up to the Urmiberg
The Brunnen–Urmiberg aerial cableway climbs 702 metres in altitude and takes you to the Urmiberg, the eastern spur of the Rigi. At 1,135 metres above sea level, it offers panoramic views. The Urmiberg is also a starting point or destination for hikes on the Rigi. This gives you two distinct options when planning your trip: the lakeshore and waterways on a walk around the locality, or panoramic views from higher ground and hikes on the Rigi from the Urmiberg.
Harbour and local history
Brunnen originated in the High Middle Ages as a lakeside settlement on Lake Lucerne. Fishermen and boatmen lived in the village. As the Gotthard route grew in importance, so did Brunnen; the locality became the harbour of the canton of Schwyz and a loading point for the cattle trade with Ticino and Italy. Its lakeside location has thus shaped both the landscape and the history of the locality.
One building that tells this history is the Federal Chapel. After the village fire of 1620, it was built between 1632 and 1635. Inside the chapel are white-painted wooden figures of Saint Henry and Saint Helena. The Small Cultural Trail includes stops at the Federal Chapel, the Old Harbour Facilities, Auslandschweizerplatz and Föhnhafen. The walk offers encounters with different aspects of the local history that has shaped Brunnen.
During foehn storms, Föhnhafen serves as a safe harbour and landing place for licensed boat services. It is also used by recreational boats and for regattas. Auslandschweizerplatz is used for various events.
A guided activity
The Victorinox Store Brunnen has a large personalisation station for Victorinox products. With guidance on site, visitors can assemble their own Swiss Army Knife. To reserve an appointment, you are asked to get in touch in advance by phone or email; bear this in mind if you want to include the activity as a firm part of your plans. This hands-on activity offers another way to discover Brunnen, alongside walks, cultural history and excursions.
Discover more destinations: Sattel, Alpthal, Rickenbach Bei Schwyz, Seewen, Rothenthurm, Oberiberg, Steinen, Morschach
Back to the regional travel overview: Schwyz.
