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Tell Trail - long-distance hiking in the heart of Switzerland

Travelog · Luzern - Vierwaldstättersee · July 11, 2025
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  • Arvigrat ridge walk, 5th stage Stans - Engelberg
    Arvigrat ridge walk, 5th stage Stans - Engelberg
    Photo: Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Touted as the best of the Lucerne Vierwaldstättersee adventure region, we tackle the long-distance hiking trail «Tell Trail» from Altdorf to the Brienzer Rothorn with high expectations. We are not disappointed. One highlight follows the other and cable cars, boat trips, historic villages, idyllic mountain lakes, high peaks and breathtaking views shake hands. What's cool about it: Many partial stages are also recommended as day hikes or family excursions.

To start with, let's talk about us: we like hiking, but there are always discussions with my husband – who is a passionate «rope » – hiker. Because he thinks: Where there are cable cars, people don't walk. That is why the «Tell-Trail» is made for us. 

Andrea Hurschler, journalist and her husband Paulo Garrido, cable car mechatronics engineer

Stage 1: Altdorf - Muotathal

Soon after the start in Altdorf at the famous Telldenkmal, the statue of the Swiss national hero, we are faced with the first cable car ride. The small air cableway Brügg-Eierschwand-Ruogig offers the perfect contrast to the big cableways that will still be waiting for us on the hike. On the Chinzigpass we are really excited for the first time. The unusual mountain formations and the view of the Alpine chain in the Hüri and Chinzertal valleys are something we have never seen before. At the end of the first stage, we reach the mountain village of Muotathal, which is known throughout Switzerland for its rustic weather freshness.
Hiking Trail · Uri
Tell Trail Stage 1: Altdorf - Muotathal
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 1
Distance 22.4 km
Duration 5:30 h
Ascent 1,616 m
Descent 1,447 m

The first stage of the Tell Trail leads from Altdorf along the Via Suworow over the Chinzig Pass through the Wängital into the Muotathal.

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Stage 2: Muotathal - Brunnen

Today we experience the dry wit of the people of Muotathal on the joke trail, which leads us to the valley station of the Stoos cable car. The steepest funicular in the world is naturally on my husband's bucket list. After a short break in the car-free mountain village of Stoos and the chair ride, the impressive ridge walk from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock awaits us. The view of the Vierwaldstättersee is simply magnificent and I take more photos than I want to edit at home. The way to Brunnen can be done on foot – but you guessed it: We take the chairlift and the cable car. By the time we reach Brunnen, where we enjoy the dolce far niente on the lake, I too am grateful for the gift of time by the water.
Hiking Trail · Stoos - Muotatal
Tell Trail Stage 2: Muota Valley - Brunnen
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 2
Distance 27.9 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 1,731 m
Descent 1,922 m

The second stage of the Tell Trail takes you from the Muota Valley to the mountain village of Stoos. Then a ridge hike from Klingenstock to ...

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Stage 3: Brunnen - Rigi Kaltbad

The lake remains our faithful companion today. First we take the cable car high above the Urnersee up to the Urmiberg. The hike over the Gutterlipass is not without its difficulties. The route to Rigi Kaltbad, which follows the Rigi Felsenweg, is more leisurely. Here it is not only the view of Lake Lucerne that is fascinating, but also the witnesses of the old railway. With Europe's first mountain railway, a cogwheel railway, we finally descend from the Rigi to Vitznau, where the boat to Lucerne is already moored at the jetty.
Hiking Trail · Erlebnisregion Mythen
Tell-Trail stage 3: Brunnen - Rigi Kaltbad - Lucerne
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 3
Distance 37.8 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 1,590 m
Descent 1,590 m

The third stage of the Tell-Trail leads from Brunnen over the Gätterli Pass to Rigi Kaltbad. By cog railway to Vitznau and subsequent boat trip to ...

2
from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Stage 4: Lucerne - Pilatus - Stans

After the oldest mountain railway, the steepest cog railway awaits us today. But we have to earn this ride first and walk up to Lucerne's local mountain Pilatus via the Kriens Hochwald on countless serpentines through partly rough paths. After more than 1500 metres of altitude in our legs, we are glad to be able to relax our legs a bit and are even greeted with the sight of stone boulders! The ride on the cogwheel railway down to Alpnachstad proves what a hike we have had. The path along the Alpnachersee to Stans, on the other hand, is just a walk.
Hiking Trail · Luzern City
Tell-Trail Stage 4: Lucerne - Pilatus - Stans
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 4
Distance 27.4 km
Duration 8:00 h
Ascent 1,650 m
Descent 1,984 m

The fourth stage of the Tell-Trail starts in Lucerne and leads you via Fräkmünt to the Pilatus. With the cogwheel railway back to Alpnachstad and ...

1
from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Stage 5: Stans - Engelberg

Today we start the day with a breezy ride on the upper deck of the convertible cable car up to the Stanserhorn. The destination Engelberg, already visible through its highest mountain Titlis, must be deserved: After the descent to the Ächerlipass, the ascent to the Arvigrat follows. The panoramic view of the Engelberg and Sarnera valleys and the Alps is magnificent and makes you forget the respect for the following ridge hike. The Wagenleis, a rocky outcrop near Charren, requires sure-footedness and a head for heights, despite thick ropes to hold on to. As I wipe the sweat from my forehead, I spot the sheep being guarded by llamas. After the Storeggpass we soon reach the Lutersee, in which the mountains are idyllically reflected. We recharge our batteries here for the steep descent to Untertruuml;bsee. From Untertruuml;bsee to Engelberg we treat ourselves – and especially our legs – to a descent on the scooters.
Hiking Trail · Canton of Nidwalden
Tell Trail stage 5: Stans-Engelberg
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 5
Distance 28.6 km
Duration 9:55 h
Ascent 2,920 m
Descent 2,375 m

The fifth stage of the Tell Trail starts on the Stanserhorn. Then you hike along the newly opened ridge path over the Storegg pass to Engelberg.

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Stage 6: Engelberg - Älggialp

The sixth stage includes a hike that is very popular as a day hike: the Four Lakes Hike from Engelberg to Melchsee-Frutt. Thanks to the cable car and chairlift, we can easily cover the 1000 metres of altitude directly after breakfast; with the Trübsee, the first lake has already been passed. A special experience on the chair ride: we listen to the whistles of the marmots and try to spot the small animals before they disappear into the air. The three other lakes Engstlensee, Tannensee and Melchsee – and the next destination is the little-known Seefeldsee in the marshy nature reserve of Sachsler Seefeld again a water body. A crowning conclusion to the day: we arrive at the centre of Switzerland. On the Älggialp we complete the short adventure trail and learn interesting facts about the centre of Switzerland.
Hiking Trail · Canton of Obwalden
Tell Trail stage 6: Engelberg-Älggialp
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 6
Distance 25.6 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 1,763 m
Descent 1,157 m

The sixth stage of the Tell Trail leads from Engelberg over the Joch pass to Melchsee-Frutt. Then it's past the Hochstollen and on up to Älggialp. 

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Stage 7: Älggialp - Lungern

From the Älggialp we move through small forests towards the Brünigpass, which connects the cantons of Obwalden and Bern. If there is no cable car waiting, we enjoy the view of a lake on the way down, the Lungerersee with its special turquoise blue colour. Even though Lungern is the furthest municipality from the canton of Obwalden and is unknown to many people: we think it is a very beautiful spot on earth!
Hiking Trail · Canton of Obwalden
Tell-Trail stage 7: Älggialp - Lungern
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 7
Distance 18 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 444 m
Descent 1,390 m

The seventh stage of the Tell Trail leads from Älggialp towards the Brünig pass and Lake Lungern. The destination of the stage is the village of ...

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Stage 8: Lungern - Brienzer Rothorn - Sörenberg

Our legs don't work and we can clearly feel the seven days that have passed. We are all the happier that the Lungern-Turren mountain railway was saved a few years ago and escaped closure. Because on the panoramic hike up to the Brienzer Rothorn there are still a few metres of altitude to climb. Fortunately, the view makes this a little easier. After the cable car ride down to Schönenboden, our tour ends with a leisurely hike to Sörenberg, where we can enjoy the beauty of nature in the UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch – and say to each other for the umpteenth time on this multi-day hike: «We already live in a beautiful country!»
Hiking Trail · Canton of Obwalden
Tell-Trail stage 8: Lungern - Brienzer Rothorn - Sörenberg
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 8
Distance 21.2 km
Duration 5:30 h
Ascent 1,998 m
Descent 1,234 m

The eighth and final stage of the Tell Trail leads from Lungern over Canton Lucerne's highest peak, the Brienzer Rothorn, to Sörenberg.

1
from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Details Total Tour Tell Trail

  • Long-Distance Hiking Tell-Trail
    Photo: Switzerland Tourism / Silvano Zeiter, Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee

Tell Trail and more

There is also plenty to discover off the official hiking route. Browse through the lists and discover sustainable experiences, ideas for families and easy, enjoyable hikes along the trail.

TELL PASS - THE TICKET FOR CENTRAL SWITZERLAND

Experience Central Switzerland by train, bus, boat and numerous mountain railways in a very uncomplicated way with free travel for two to ten days. In addition, bonus partners offer further discounts and families benefit from an attractive fixed price for children of only CHF 30.

The Tell-Pass is available in German, French and Italian.

All information on the Tell Pass: https://www.tellpass.ch/de/

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Features
Maps and trails
Long-Distance Hiking
Tell-Trail
recommended route Difficulty difficult Multi-day route
Distance 208.2 km
Duration 192:00 h
Ascent 14,142 m
Descent 13,441 m

The new long-distance hiking route "Tell-Trail" leads in eight stages through the picturesque Central Switzerland from Altdorf to the Brienzer ...

6
from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Hiking Trail · Erlebnisregion Mythen
Tell-Trail stage 3: Brunnen - Rigi Kaltbad - Lucerne
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 3
Distance 37.8 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 1,590 m
Descent 1,590 m

The third stage of the Tell-Trail leads from Brunnen over the Gätterli Pass to Rigi Kaltbad. By cog railway to Vitznau and subsequent boat trip to ...

2
from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Hiking Trail · Luzern City
Tell-Trail Stage 4: Lucerne - Pilatus - Stans
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 4
Distance 27.4 km
Duration 8:00 h
Ascent 1,650 m
Descent 1,984 m

The fourth stage of the Tell-Trail starts in Lucerne and leads you via Fräkmünt to the Pilatus. With the cogwheel railway back to Alpnachstad and ...

1
from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Hiking Trail · Canton of Nidwalden
Tell Trail stage 5: Stans-Engelberg
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 5
Distance 28.6 km
Duration 9:55 h
Ascent 2,920 m
Descent 2,375 m

The fifth stage of the Tell Trail starts on the Stanserhorn. Then you hike along the newly opened ridge path over the Storegg pass to Engelberg.

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Hiking Trail · Canton of Obwalden
Tell-Trail stage 7: Älggialp - Lungern
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 7
Distance 18 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 444 m
Descent 1,390 m

The seventh stage of the Tell Trail leads from Älggialp towards the Brünig pass and Lake Lungern. The destination of the stage is the village of ...

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Hiking Trail · Canton of Obwalden
Tell-Trail stage 8: Lungern - Brienzer Rothorn - Sörenberg
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 8
Distance 21.2 km
Duration 5:30 h
Ascent 1,998 m
Descent 1,234 m

The eighth and final stage of the Tell Trail leads from Lungern over Canton Lucerne's highest peak, the Brienzer Rothorn, to Sörenberg.

1
from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Hiking Trail · Canton of Obwalden
Tell Trail stage 6: Engelberg-Älggialp
recommended route Difficulty difficult Stage 6
Distance 25.6 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 1,763 m
Descent 1,157 m

The sixth stage of the Tell Trail leads from Engelberg over the Joch pass to Melchsee-Frutt. Then it's past the Hochstollen and on up to Älggialp. 

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Hiking Trail · Uri
Tell Trail Stage 1: Altdorf - Muotathal
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 1
Distance 22.4 km
Duration 5:30 h
Ascent 1,616 m
Descent 1,447 m

The first stage of the Tell Trail leads from Altdorf along the Via Suworow over the Chinzig Pass through the Wängital into the Muotathal.

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
Hiking Trail · Stoos - Muotatal
Tell Trail Stage 2: Muota Valley - Brunnen
recommended route Difficulty moderate Stage 2
Distance 27.9 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 1,731 m
Descent 1,922 m

The second stage of the Tell Trail takes you from the Muota Valley to the mountain village of Stoos. Then a ridge hike from Klingenstock to ...

from Laila Bosco,   Region Luzern-Vierwaldstättersee
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Stories Switzerland Luzern - Vierwaldstättersee Tell Trail - long-distance hiking in the heart of Switzerland