Niederbauen Kulm is a tall mountain near Lucerne. You can reach the top with a cable car ride and steep, but short hike. It offers breathtaking views of many surrounding mountains and the stunning blue waters of Lake Lucerne.

This area is popular with locals, particularly paragliders that launch near the cable car. But it's not a tourist destination, so you get more of an authentic feel here.

Trail info

This 5.3 km trail starts at the top of the Emmetten-Niederbauen cable car - Seelisbergstrasse 2, 6376 Emmetten.

Trail: Challenging • 2.5 h • 5.3 k • 300m up and down
See trail map.

Grab a coffee and croissant at the cable car restaurant. Then a short walk on the service road to the base on the peak. Before the climb, you’ll pass the Alptritt alpine dairy, which has a small café and alpine cheese for sale.

Then a steep hike up on switchbacks and stairs, gaining about 330m of elevation, to the Niederbauen Kulm viewpoint. There are a few exposed areas with steep slopes to one side and no barriers. So not good for small children or inexperienced hikers.

After the peak viewpoint, it's a steep descent along the cliffs. Then a short detour to the Hundschopf viewpoint over Lake Lucerne and picnic area. Then back on the dirt service road to the cable car.

• Learn more in my Niederbauen Kulm Peak Hike article.

Easier version: If you have small children and/or need a easier option, you can walk from the cable car directly to the Hundschopf viewpoint without climbing the peak. See trail map.

Longer version: If you want to keep hiking, after the Hundschopf viewpoint, continue hiking on the Wildlife Observation Trail that hikes around the arena, dipping in and out of the forests. It ends at a different cable car, then bus back to your starting point. See trail map.

Tip: This area is fantastic in mid October when many of the trees turn bright colors.