The region around Seelisberg, steeped in history, also has many experiences and natural beauty to offer. Whether dreamlike views, a fine menu in the restaurant or a swim in the mountain lake.

The village of Seelisberg is quite elongated and goes from about 500 to over 800 meters in altitude. Of the whole area, about 1/3 is agriculture and only 4% settlement area. Therefore, it is not surprising that only about 700 people live in the mountain village in Uri. Parts of the houses are also vacation homes.

Now done talking, here are our favorite places to visit around Seelisberg:

1). Seeli lido in Seelisberg

The idyllic lake surrounded by the mountain landscape and the lush green of the meadows shows how picture-perfect the landscape around Seelisberg is. The lake is an ideal place to relax in summer and enjoy time for yourself or with friends.

The entrance to the lido Seelisberg costs 5 CHF and is free later in the evening. In the bath there is also a kiosk with food. If you camp at the lido, you don’t have to pay an entrance fee. For the journey by public transport, it is easiest to take the bus stop Seelisberg, Geissweg.

2).

Rütli

Historically, the Rütli is probably the most important place in Switzerland. It was the place where the Helvetic Confederation was founded in 1291 among the countries of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden, i.e. an association of countries to fight the invaders (Habsburgs). Accordingly, more and more countries joined until 1848, when modern Switzerland came into being as a democracy.

Even today, the Rütli can be visited only either by boat or hiking trail. If you choose the hiking trail, you can hike from Seelisberg to the Rütli in about an hour. Don’t expect too much, because all you will find is a restaurant (partly closed), a farmhouse, the landing stage and of course a lot of history and beauty of nature.

By the way, you could take the boat from Rütli to Brunnen and even to the Treib-Seelisbergbahn if you don’t want to hike up anymore. Please note that the hike up takes longer.

3). Treib-Seelisberg Railway

Another excursion idea is to explore the region around Seelisberg Treib. Because here you have a fantastic view of Lake Lucerne as well as the mountain panorama. The railroad was first built in 1914, so it is more than 100 years old. The current rolling stock is from 1967 and gives a touch of oldschool.

The Treib-Seelisberg railroad runs every 20 minutes during the day in summer. In spring, autumn and winter the travel times are a bit less intense. Then the rack railroad runs every hour.

As of 2022, a ticket costs 10 Swiss francs per adult (half-price with half-fare card, general season ticket (GA) is also valid).

4). Boat trip from Seelisberg Treib

What could be better than relaxing and enjoying a boat trip on the lake? Good question! That’s why this is also high on our list for excursions around Seelisberg. Join the Urnserseerrundfahrt, which takes 1.5 hours and runs all year round. Only the travel times change depending on the season. With half-fare card the trip costs 20.50 CHF, without 41 CHF (as of 2023).

5). Dream hike Emmetten-Seelisberg

Would you like to experience a dream hike? Then we recommend you to do the hike from Emmetten to Seelisberg. If you stay overnight in Seelisberg, you should take the bus to Emmetten, Sagendorf. If you come from Lucerne or Stans, you get off at the same bus stop. From there you pass a pretty chapel and reach the first viewpoint. During the whole hike you will be accompanied by the dream view of Lake Lucerne.

The hike takes about 2 hours and ends in Seelisberg Treib, where you can take the Treib train back to the village.

6). Alp Weid

The cable car Seelibsberg – Alp Weid brings you in a four-person gondola to a wonderful destination above the village. Here you can take a leisurely stroll. Also the alpine restaurant Weid invites guests to enjoy a magnificent view and delicious food. On nice days you can see as far as Lucerne and enjoy a view of Lake Lucerne. Please note that the restaurant only takes cash payment.

Furthermore it’s nice to spend the night in the Alp Weid mountain inn. However, this is a 16er mass stroke and showers are not available.

Extreme hikers can take the mountain and alpine hiking trail to Niederbauen Chulm in summer and autumn. Also from the alp Weid you have beautiful walks such as the wildlife observation trail.

7). Enjoying good cuisine in Seelisberg

Let’s face it, often in isolated places there is maybe one good restaurant, if any. But Seelisberg is one of the small Swiss mountain villages, which surprise with excellent cuisine. Here even the biggest gourmets will be happy.

The Volligen restaurant with a magnificent view of Lake Lucerne enchants guests with Swiss cuisine such as Cordon Bleus . Even on Google, it has a 4.8 average with a high number of ratings, which is way above average.

Also the restaurant Träumli is a dream for every guest. Not only because of the view, but also the seasonal menu, the many coupes (ice cream) and the breakfast are worth seeing.

If you like fish, you will get your money’s worth at the Seerestaurant und Fischerei Schwygbogen. In addition, Seelisberg has several other restaurants. Please note that depending on the season the restaurants are partly closed.

8). Niederbauen

If you drive from Seelisberg to Emmetten, you take the cable car at the bus stop “Emmetten, Niederbauenbahn”. It will take you within a few minutes to a beautiful vantage point with a panoramic view of Lake Lucerne. Niederbauen even has one of the best mountain restaurants in Switzerland, which makes it the perfect destination for an excursion.

9). Hike Niederbauen – Niederbauen Chulm

If you are in Niederbauen and like hiking, we do not want to withhold this dream hike and insider tip. You hike for about 1h 45 minutes in the direction of Niederbauen Chulm, which takes about 350 meters in altitude (1100 feet). But the panoramic view of Seelisberg, Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps is so incredibly beautiful that you can hardly get enough of this view. There is no food on the way, so we recommend you to take a picnic with you.

You will certainly not regret this, because the place is a balm for the soul. Instead of returning to the cable car (round hike), you can also take the alpine hiking trail to Seelisberg. However, this is very demanding and only feasible in summer, when the snow has melted.