
5 Magical Reasons to Visit Hammetschwand Lift: Ultimate Lake Luzern Views
Experiencing A Postcard View
If you are looking for an easy and pocket-friendly activity that offers beautiful views, the Hammetschwand Lift is one of the best places to visit near Luzern. We visited back in 2018, and it remains a true highlight for scenic walking. Here are the 5 magical reasons why this spot deserves a place on your Switzerland itinerary.
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Arriving in Luzern
- Via Train or Bus: Take a direct train to Lucerne from Zurich, Bern, or Basel to access the spectacular cliffside lift. Check schedules and book tickets via Busbud here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Zurich Airport and take a direct train to Lucerne to experience Europe’s highest outdoor lift. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Switzerland
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
1. The Highly Scenic Felsenweg Trail
We spent a total of 3.5 hours at this beautiful location. We parked our car in a public parking space and followed the track to the start of the Felsenweg. It is an approximately 2-kilometer track that takes you right to the Hammetschwand Lift. The trail is extremely scenic and provides a lot of breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne along the way.
2. A Brush with History and Celebrities
We followed the path to reach the base of the lift. Before we went up, we saw displayed pictures of politicians and celebrities who have used the historic elevator in the past. It adds such a unique, nostalgic charm to the experience before you even board.

3. The Thrill of the Ride and Affordable Tickets
The round trip for the elevator is 18 CHF. For an iconic Swiss alpine experience, it stands out as a highly accessible and budget-friendly excursion.

4. Unrivaled Panoramic Views
The view of Lake Lucerne (Luzern) and the city of Lucerne from the viewing platform is absolutely magical. The weather was completely sunny during our visit, so we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the awesome views from the summit platform.
5. A Relaxing Summit Experience
We spent an hour at the top and enjoyed some ice cream at the restaurant, soaking in the atmosphere. After our hour at the summit, we went down via the lift and continued walking along the Felsenweg to reach the location where we started our journey.
Final Remarks
Hammetschwand is truly one of the best places to visit near Lucerne if you are looking for an easy and pocket-friendly activity that offers beautiful views.
Found our visit to Hammetschwand interesting? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Hammetschwand Lift cost?
The round-trip ticket for the elevator is 18 CHF per person.
How long is the hike to the Hammetschwand Lift?
The walk along the Felsenweg track to reach the lift is approximately 2 kilometers long and offers an easy, highly scenic path.
How much time should I plan for the visit?
You should plan to spend around 3 to 4 hours. We spent a total of 3.5 hours at the location, which included an hour at the top to enjoy the views and get ice cream.




















