Starts at Luzern station, passes the Hofkirche St. Leodegar, follows the shore past the Seebad and the Swiss Museum of Transport, then the English cemetery on the way to Seeburg. A short detour reaches Schloss Meggenhorn and a miniature Christ the Redeemer statue before the route passes vineyards and ends at a bathing spot in Meggen. Nearly flat and suitable year-round, with plenty of cafes and swim spots in summer.
The lakeside walk from Luzern to Meggen follows the north-eastern shore of Lake Lucerne in the canton of Lucerne, Switzerland, and is among the easiest long walks in the area. It starts at Luzern station on Bahnhofplatz, so access needs only a train ticket and no parking or permit. The route covers about 11.95 km one way in roughly 3 hours 20 minutes, is almost entirely flat, and gains negligible elevation, making it suitable for first-time hikers. The surface is a mix of paved promenade, gravel shore path and quiet lanes, with little exposure and intermittent shade from lakeside trees. From the station the walk passes the Hofkirche St. Leodegar, then follows the shore past the Seebad and the Swiss Museum of Transport, a popular family stop. Further on, the English cemetery marks the approach to Seeburg, where the path runs close to the water. A short detour reaches Schloss Meggenhorn and a miniature Christ the Redeemer statue, with views across the lake. The route then passes vineyards and finishes at a bathing spot in Meggen. Natural turn-around points are the Seebad, Seeburg and Meggenhorn, each of which has bus or boat connections back toward the city, so the distance can be shortened easily. Cafes and kiosks are common in summer, and swimming spots appear along the shore, so water and food are readily available and there is no need for refuge huts. Hikers can return from Meggen Zentrum by train or bus, or by lake boat to the Luzern pier on weekends and some other days; schedules should be confirmed before departure. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and swimwear in summer are the main equipment. The route is nearly flat and works year-round, though April to October is the most pleasant, with clear winter days also rewarding.
| Distance | 11.95 km one way |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 3 hours 20 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trailhead | Start at Luzern station; return from Meggen Zentrum by train or bus, or by lake boat to the Luzern pier (weekends and some other days) |
| Best season | April-October (also fine on clear winter days) |
| Address | Luzern station, Bahnhofplatz, 6002 Luzern |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Luzern to Meggen, north-east lakeshore
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, swimwear in summer
Location
Luzern station, Bahnhofplatz, 6002 Luzern
47.0506, 8.3106 View on map
Highlights
- Pass the Hofkirche St. Leodegar and the Swiss Museum of Transport on the shore
- Detour to Schloss Meggenhorn and its miniature Christ the Redeemer statue
- Walk past vineyards on the approach to Meggen
- Swim at bathing spots along the lake in summer
Tips for visiting
- Pack swimwear and a towel in summer, as bathing spots appear along the route and at the finish.
- Check the lake boat timetable if planning to return to the Luzern pier, as sailings run only on some days.
- Shorten the walk by catching a bus at Seeburg or Meggenhorn if time is tight.
- Bring sun protection; shade is intermittent on the open shore sections.
- Visit cafes in Luzern before starting, since refreshment options thin out between Seeburg and Meggen.
When to visit
April to October is ideal for swimming and cafes, and clear winter days also work. Mornings are calmer, and summer afternoons draw bathers.
Accessibility
Much of the shore promenade is flat and paved, so sections near Luzern are generally manageable with wheelchairs and strollers. Gravel stretches and the Meggenhorn detour may be harder, so mobility-limited visitors may prefer to walk only the first part.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Luzern to Meggen lakeside walk?
It is about 11.95 km one way and takes around 3 hours 20 minutes at an easy pace.
Is the route suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is nearly flat, mostly paved or gravel, and rated easy, so it suits first-time hikers and families.
How do walkers return from Meggen?
Trains and buses run from Meggen Zentrum to Luzern, and a lake boat to the Luzern pier operates on weekends and some other days.
Can the walk be done in winter?
Yes. The route is flat and usually passable year-round, and clear winter days give good lake views, though swimming and some cafes are seasonal.