High Altitude Cappuccino

🗺️ Overview Start Point : Bürgenstock Resort, Canton Nidwalden, Switzerland End Point : Bürgenstock Peak (1,127m) Lowest Elevation : 850m (Bürgenstock Resort) Highest Elevation : 1,127m (Bürgenstock Peak) Total Elevation Gain : ~277m (but 150m are for free!) Duration : ~1.5 to 2.5 hours (including time for the elevator and scenic stops) Difficulty : Easy Special Feature : Hammetschwand Elevator, Europe’s tallest standalone outdoor lift Download GPS file A Scenic and Unique Hike Above Lake Lucerne This hike is simple yet very scenic, offering stunning views of Lake Lucerne and an unexpected twist! The journey begins in  Canton Nidwalden , at the heart of Switzerland, along the shores of the famous Four Cantons Lake. The starting point is  Bürgenstock Resort , an upscale hotel complex with breathtaking views and luxury accommodations. Parking is available near the resort, though it can be pricey. Alternatively, you can arrive from  Lucerne by boat  and take a funicula...

🗺️ Overview Starting point:  Alpnachstad Station (450m) Summit:  Pilatus Kulm (2070m) + Esel (2118m) Highest point:  Esel Distance:  1,680m of elevation gain incuding Esel Duration:  around 4-5 hours up Optional shortcut:  Take the funicular to Ämsigen mid-station (1350m) to cut the hike in half Descent:  Funicular down (or same way on foot for an even bigger adventure!) Download GPS file I started from  Alpnachstad Station  at 450m, right at the base of the Pilatusbahn funicular. Parking can fill up quickly, so it’s best to arrive early or avoid weekends if you can. From the base, you backtrack slightly through town to find a sign pointing uphill to  Pilatus Kulm . Within minutes, you rise above the houses and get sweeping views of the lake below. The first stretch follows the funicular tracks across green pastures—an idyllic start! Eventually, you pass underneath the funicular and enter the forest. A short road section follows, until ...