Unique panoramic hike to the 360 degree panoramic vantage point on the Niederbauen Kulm with a magnificent view over Lake Lucerne, the big and small Mythen, the Pilatus, the Rigi and many other mountains. Easily accessible via cable car from Emmetten. 

Photos and text by Marc Gottwald

Niederbauen Kulm Hike in a nutshell:

• – The most beautiful panoramic view over Lake Lucerne and a great day destination from “Lucerne in Switzerland”.
• – One of the best mountain restaurants (at the Niederbauen cable car station)
• – Short, intensive and very rewarding circular hike with a steep ascent to the vantage point of Niederbauen Kulm.

Start: Niederbauen mountain station; Destination: Niederbauen mountain station

Duration: 2h 30 min (but allow enough time to enjoy the panorama on Niederbauen Chulm).

Panoramic circular hike to Niederbauen Chulm

It is the most beautiful panoramic view over Lake Lucerne and probably one of the biggest insider tips near “Lucerne in Switzerland”. With one of the best mountain restaurants in Switzerland, this mountain is an additional attraction.  A must for all panorama lovers, peace seekers, photographers and gourmets.

From Emmetten an 8-seater cable car brings you in just 7 minutes to the Niederbauen mountain station. Just for your information: Here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic hikes in Switzerland.

As soon as you reach the top station, you are greeted with an incredible view over the sky-blue Lake Lucerne and the vast mountain panorama. Simply stunning!

Dreamy scenery from the first minute

With the destination “Niederbauen Chulm” or “Niederbauen Kulm” you start hiking from the mountain station. There are two routes (duration: 1h10min or 1h25min). One takes 15 minutes less, but is much steeper. We take the path where you need a little longer. Since it is a circular route, you do both routes anyway.

On a path that is still wide at the beginning, you can enjoy the beautiful view over Lake Lucerne on the left and the magical mountain range towards Stockhütte and Klewenalp on the right.

After about 10 minutes you could turn left to the “Niederbauen Chulm”. This is the steeper path. We decide to take the “more leisurely” option and continue hiking on the road (Niederbauen Chulm 1h15min). But honestly, between us, both are pretty steep.

After another 10 minutes while pasting typical Swiss houses, there is a turn-off to the left. This is where the steep one-hour ascent begins. The good thing is that the higher you hike, the more you are rewarded with an incredibly beautiful panoramic view.

There are also plenty of places to sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. The last steps and you have made it!

360 degree panoramic view over Lake Lucerne

Wooooow! What an impressive landscape picture.

Honestly, there are no words to describe this panorama. You have to see it for yourself. Pure goose bumps! It’s so great to see also ships coming from „Lucerne Switzerland“ and going to the famous Rütli.

It is worth planning enough time here. In addition to the enchanting view over Lake Lucerne, you also enjoy a wide panorama over the Swiss Alps and foothills of the Alps.

If the view is good, you can see the Stanserhorn, Buochserhorn, Pilatus, Rigi, the big and small Mythen, the Fronalpstock and many more. It’s also great to see how many orchids bloom in the meadows here. There are also guided wildlife observation tours at Niederbauen. A real highlight.

Conclusion Niederbauen Kulm

The hike to the “Niederbauen Chulm” is one of the most beautiful panoramic hikes in Switzerland and a great day trip from „Lucerne in Switzerland“. However, to do the hike it needs a good basic fitness level. Take the cable car from Emmetten to the Niederbauen mountain. There is also a very good mountain restaurant. Then you start the steep but worthwhile circular hike and enjoy a breathtaking view over Lake Lucerne.