Excursions
Excursion possibilities during your stay
The destination Swiss-Chalet Merlischachen is the ideal starting point for activities and excursions in Lake Lucerne Region, trips to Lucerne, Schwyz or Zurich, day trips to the Bernese Oberland or to Interlaken as well as a visit to the federal capital Bern.
We will be happy to advise you at the reception or book the desired excursion for you
Hike over the Allmig to Lucerne
Mountains on the horizon, magical buildings along the way
From Küssnach am Rigi train station via Merlischachen, Bärgiswil, Meggen, Meggenhorn to Lucerne train station
Beautiful views of Bürgenstock, Stanserhorn, Buochserhorn, Brisen. The Pilatus and the Rigi are also in view from time to time.
Equipment
The path is well suited for sneakers because of the many asphalt and road. Hiking shoes are not absolutely necessary.
Rigi – The Queen of the Mountains
Take the first mountain railroad in Europe (1871), the 2 cogwheel railroads from Vitznau or Goldau or the panoramic aerial cableway from Weggis, up the Rigi and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. 120 km of hiking and walking trails as well as countless barbecue sites invite you to linger.
Book your ticket to the Rigi directly at the reception. We are happy to be there for you!
Guided tour on the Rigi
Explore the Rigi on a majestic round trip from Lucerne! Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Lake Lucerne, ride Europe’s first mountain railroad and experience an unforgettable descent on the aerial cable car. A breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Swiss Alps awaits you on Mount Rigi. While there, discover one of the countless hiking trails against a mighty mountain backdrop.
Start the day with a leisurely boat ride on picturesque Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. Take Europe’s first mountain railroad and, after a short walk, climb to the majestic summit of Rigi Kulm. Let your gaze wander from 1,797 m. above sea level over the midlands with 13 lakes and a sea of 620 Alpine peaks. Use the time at your leisure to explore one of the many hiking trails, enjoy a moment of silence in the mountain chapel or fortify yourself in one of the mountain restaurants.
Afterwards, take the rack railroad to the car-free village of Rigi Kaltbad. There, explore the village square and the Mineralbad & Spa by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta – a true gem for architecture lovers! Follow an easy hiking trail with a gentle ascent to reach the Känzeli viewing platform (2 km, optional).
Enjoy the impressive view of the crystal-clear Lake Lucerne on the descent with the cable car. After a short walk downhill to the Weggis boat station, this is the ideal time to capture the breathtaking view from the Lucerne Riviera with your camera. Now board the ship back to Lucerne and review your experiences against an incomparable natural backdrop.
As you have to walk moderately downhill for 10-15 minutes during the tour, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing sun and rain protection.
Duration: 7 hours
Departure: Lucerne
Adults: CHF 115.00
Children: CHF 57.50
Languages: German, English
We are happy to organize this tour for you. Contact us at the reception.
Rope Park Rigi
On about 4 km you can experience the rope park in the middle of nature on seven different tours. The leisure and sports facility, embedded in the natural surroundings at the foot of the Rigi, offers sports enthusiasts, families, clubs or companies a real adventure.
Boat trip on Lake Lucerne
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Boarding and arrival possible directly in Merlischachen. From mid-May onwards, scheduled boats depart daily from the landing stage about 80 meters from the castle hotel.
Hohle Gasse
“Through this Hohle Gasse he must come”. Experience the historical site between Küssnacht am Rigi and Immensee up close and in color. Possible with a guided tour or as a short hike up to the Gesslerburg, also in combination with a visit to the local history museum Küssnacht and / or village tour in Küssnacht.
Admission: free of charge
Visit: possible all year round
More information is available at the reception.
Wilhelm Tell – the most important legendary figure of Switzerland
The folk hero was already known in our latitudes in the late Middle Ages and early modern times, long before Friedrich Schiller helped the character to world fame with his famous stage drama “Wilhelm Tell” (first performance in 1804 in Weimar). Tell is mentioned for the first time in the so-called “White Book of Sarnen”, a chronicle by the Obwalden country writer Hans Schriber around 1470. He has thus been an integral part of the Swiss liberation mythology for over 500 years and is mentioned in the same context as Habsburg oppression by the bailiffs, the Rütli oath, the castle break and liberation battles.
As a blameless mountain farmer, he defends himself against the tyrannical bailiff Heinrich Gessler and shoots him from ambush with his crossbow in the Hohlen Gasse near Küssnacht. He thus becomes a hero and helps trigger the legendary self-liberation of the Confederates around 1300, which reaches its first climax in the Battle of Morgarten (1315).
Tell dies as an old man while rescuing a small child from the raging mountain stream Schächen in the Schächen valley in Uri. To this day he is regarded as the epitome of courage, strength of will and unshakable determination, and for centuries has been a symbol of love of freedom and independence.
Tour of Schwyz
During the walk, eleven panels with pictures and short texts provide you with a variety of information about important squares and alleys, public buildings, patrician houses, monasteries, churches and chapels. You will also learn interesting facts about festivals and customs that have been a tradition in Schwyz for decades.
Duration: 1 hour
Route: 1 km
Admission: free of charge
Start: at the bus stop “Schwyz Post”
City tour in Lucerne
Centuries of Lucerne’s history, world-famous wooden bridges, churches, towers, oriels, fountains, narrow streets and romantic squares can be experienced under expert guidance on an entertaining tour of the old town.
Visit with us the world-famous sights such as the Chapel Bridge with the octagonal water tower, the Jesuit Church and the KKL Luzern and learn important and funny facts about the history and everyday life of the Lucerne people.
You will discover hidden alleys, lively squares and catch a glimpse of the crown of the city, the Musegg Wall. Old familiar things and many new things – Lucerne is looking forward to you!
Dates and time: August and September every Sunday at 10:15 a.m.
Duration: 2h
Start: Tourist Information Lucerne train station
Adults: CHF 20.00 (with guest card CHF 16.00)
Children (6-10 years): CHF 5.00
Bourbaki Lucerne – Panorama Image
Experience the fascinating story of a medium and its fateful history. As a prime example of a humanitarian commitment, the asylum search of the French Bourbaki Army to Switzerland in 1871 went down in history and was captured in a virtual reality from the time before cinema. Interesting tour to another time!
The Bourbaki Panorama Lucerne – a European cultural monument – commemorates the internment of 87,000 French soldiers who find refuge in Switzerland in the winter of 1871. A gripping story told by painter Edouard Castres in 1881 on the 112 × 10 meter (originally 112 x 14 meter) circular painting. The message of the Bourbaki Panorama has no expiration date and is still relevant after 150 years. Solidarity and exclusion concern our society today more than ever. Today, the medium of the panorama is not only considered the precursor of cinemas, but also the inspiration for 360-degree filmmaking and virtual reality.
Opening hours:
April to October daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
November to March daily 10-17 h
Theater Tour at the Historical Theater Lucerne
Marvel at a tour of a special kind. The Historical Theater Lucerne offers you various theater tours with professional acting performances. For example, let the “Ballad of a Chambermaid” take you back to the era of the first great tourist boom in the Lucerne hotel industry and experience the views of a chambermaid at the Schweizerhof.
Night Watchman Tour in Lucerne
Join Ralf, the disguised night watchman on a mythical evening walk through Lucerne’s enchanting old town. Listen to his gripping stories about times gone by and learn more about medieval life. Using images projected onto the walls of houses and churches, his captivating anecdotes will come to life!
The evening stroll begins at the famous Chapel Bridge with the sound of the fire horn followed by the night watchman’s prayer call. On a 400 year old city map, the Martiniplan, Ralf explains the route of the nocturnal walk. Walk through the narrow, cobbled streets while he relives the past with his captivating stories about the hard life of the Middle Ages. In the heart of the old town, the night watchman will tell you interesting facts about medieval law, interrogation methods and cruel punishments. Cross the Reuss river on Lucerne’s oldest bridge from the 12th century and hear anecdotes about the House of Lux Knights, the “Giants of Reiden” or the unfortunate stonemason Hans von Trient. A highlight of the tour is the explanation of the “Dance of Death” by Jakob von Wyl. The work of art consisting of seven paintings is projected onto a house wall by means of a projector and impressively explained by Ralf. Passing the baroque church of the Jesuits, you will again reach the probably most photographed tourist attraction in Switzerland; the beautiful, wooden Chapel Bridge with the water tower and the famous paintings. The tour ends with explanations of the interior of the water tower, the torture chamber and the dungeon.
April & October: Tuesdays only in English
May to September: Tuesdays & Thursdays in English
April to October: every Saturday in German
Duration: 1,5 hours
Adults: CHF 28.00
Children/youth 13-19 years: CHF 18.00
Bookable at the reception in the Schloss-Hotel****
Grindelwald – First: Ultimate Adventure!
The First adventure promises pure thrills with its varied selection of activities in the middle of the wonderful Swiss mountains! You will cross the “Cliff Walk”, a suspension bridge on the steep mountain cliffs and experience the breathtaking flight with the “First Flyer” as well as a rapid descent with the Mountain Cart and the Trottibike to Grindelwald.
Enjoy the comfortable bus ride past five mountain lakes into the legendary Bernese Oberland while following the exciting explanations of the multilingual tour guide. After a photo stop in the alpine metropolis of Interlaken, you will reach the charming mountain village of Grindelwald. Take the gondola lift to the summit of the First. The summit circuit “First Cliff Walk by Tissot” with its 40-meter suspension bridge at a dizzying height offers a breathtaking panorama. After a short lunch break on the Panorama Terrace, one of the most exciting adventures in Switzerland is on the agenda. The 800-meter-long “First Flieger” lets you experience the feeling of flying while whizzing down the mountain slope at up to 84 km/h. Then sit in the Mountain Cart, a cross between a go-kart and a toboggan with a comfortable seat, good tires and effective brakes, and roar down the mountain road to Bort. The experience ends with a relatively leisurely scooter ride through beautiful mountain scenery, past grazing cows and typical Swiss chalets to Grindelwald. Enjoy the remaining free time walking to the Grindelwald train station, where you board the train to Interlaken. Here you will again meet your tour guide for the return journey.
The tour is accompanied from Lucerne to Grindelwald and from Interlaken to Lucerne by a professional, multilingual tour guide. The ascent and descent on the First, the adventure activities and the train ride to Interlaken are unaccompanied. For this part you will receive timetables and detailed written information.
Important:
– Depending on the weather, you may get wet during the activities. Please bring waterproof clothing and good shoes.
– In case of bad weather, some activities may be cancelled due to safety reasons. In this case, you may experience another activity as a substitute or repeat, but no refund will be given.
– If the activities go ahead but you choose not to participate, no refund will be given. Suitable for children 10 years and older with a minimum height of 135 cm and a minimum weight of 35 kg.
Duration: 10 hours
Departure: Lucerne
Adults: CHF 189.00
Children: CHF 109.00
We would be happy to organize this tour for you. Please contact us at the reception.
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe!
As the highlight of your Switzerland trip, experience an exciting and unforgettable full-day excursion to the Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe! Designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of the Swiss Alps, Europe’s highest train station and numerous other attractions are located at over 3,500 meters above sea level.
A scenic drive takes you into the Bernese Oberland. After a short stop in Interlaken, idyllically nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, you will reach Grindelwald. Hop on the Eiger Express aerial cable car of the newly opened V-Bahn for a spectacular ride to the Eiger Glacier station, where you transfer to the cogwheel railroad to the Jungfraujoch. The breathtaking views of the world-famous triumvirate of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau will delight you. Once at the top, a fascinating wonderland of eternal ice, snow and rock lies at your feet. Embark on the “Alpine Sensation” adventure tour, inaugurated on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Jungfrau Railway, and enjoy the incredible panoramic view from the Sphinx viewing platform and plateau of neighboring countries as well as the longest glacier in the Alps, the magnificent Aletsch Glacier. Don’t forget to explore the Ice Palace, a unique ice world in the heart of the glacier – a unique experience that will be remembered for a long time.
The descent by rack railroad takes you past the famous car-free vacation destination of Wengen to Lauterbrunnen, where the bus is ready for the return journey.
Duration: 10 hours
Departure: Lucerne
Adults: CHF 249.00
Children: CHF 119.50
Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, German
We are happy to organize this tour for you. For all available dates please contact our reception.
Grindelwald and Interlaken
Escape the city and experience an unforgettable day trip to one of Switzerland’s most popular Alpine regions, the idyllic Bernese Oberland and the imposing mountains of the Jungfrau Region. During your free time (approx. 6 hours), explore on your own the famous mountain resort of Grindelwald and Interlaken with its unique location between Lakes Brienz and Thun.
A scenic drive takes you into the Bernese Oberland to Interlaken in the heart of the impressive Jungfrau Region. After a first orientation stop, the journey continues to Grindelwald, lively and versatile destination for active vacations. Countless vantage points beckon with breathtaking views of the surrounding imposing mountains and the world-famous triumvirate of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. During your free time, take a ride on the gondola lift to the sunny terrace of the “First” lookout or a fun ride on the Trottibike (only in summer). In the afternoon, travel independently by train from Grindelwald to Interlaken. Spend the rest of your time in the region’s shopper’s paradise – there’s a wide variety of choices, from regional products to jewelry and watches. A visit to Interlaken’s local mountain, Harder Kulm, by cable car is rewarded with a beautiful view of mountains and lakes (optional). With many impressive memories and invigorated by the fresh mountain air, you will meet your guide again in the late afternoon for the return journey.
The tour is accompanied from Lucerne to Grindelwald and from Interlaken to Lucerne by an experienced, multilingual tour guide. The stay in Grindelwald and the train ride to Interlaken are unaccompanied. For this part you will receive timetables and detailed written information.
Duration: 10 hours
Departure: Lucerne
Adults: CHF 84.00
Children: CHF 42.00
Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, German
We are happy to organize this tour for you. For all available dates please contact our reception.
Rafting Tour in Interlaken
Enjoy an unforgettable white water adventure in the magnificent nature of the Bernese Oberland. The spectacular trip by rubber dinghy through the wild waters of the Lütschine at the foot of the majestic mountains of the Jungfrau massif promises pure thrills!
A scenic bus ride over the Brünig Pass and past five mountain lakes brings you to Interlaken – Europe’s outdoor and adventure Mecca! Enjoy free time to explore Interlaken on your own before being greeted by experienced guides and introduced to the adrenaline-packed rafting adventure ahead. Just below the impressive Eiger North Face, the breathtaking ride in the inflatable boat begins. Paddle through the challenging white water of the Swiss Alps and steer the raft under professional instruction through the turbulent class III – IV rapids to the turquoise blue Lake Brienz. The unique landscape of the legendary Bernese Oberland provides the perfect backdrop for this exhilarating adventure. In the late afternoon, reunite with your guide for the return trip to Lucerne.
The tour is accompanied from Lucerne to Interlaken and from Interlaken to Lucerne by a professional multilingual tour guide (English/Spanish/Chinese/German). During the rafting adventure you will be supervised by a certified outdoor guide (English/German) from our partner “Outdoor Interlaken”.
Important:
Minimum age: 16 years / Maximum weight: 125 kg / Swimming skills required.
Please bring your swimsuit and a towel. Changing rooms, hot showers and toilets are available at the base.
Duration: 10 hours
Departure: Lucerne
Adults: CHF 219.00
Children: CHF 219.00
Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, German
We are happy to organize this tour for you. For all available dates please contact our reception.
Titlis – Eternal Snow and Glacier
Enjoy an unforgettable excursion into a unique world of ice and snow! The Titlis Xpress and the Rotair revolving cable car will take you from Engelberg to the summit of the Titlis in a breathtaking ride. You will be thrilled by the unique view of the Swiss Alps and the many winter activities!
Bus ride through the idyllic landscape of Central Switzerland to Engelberg, where the breathtaking ride on the Titlis Xpress up to the high alpine glacier world begins. Enjoy the spectacular view from the revolving Rotair aerial cable car into the deep crevasses of the glacier and onto the huge ice chasms. From the sun terrace on the summit of the Titlis (3000 m) you can enjoy an unforgettable view of the Swiss alpine panorama! Visit the Glacier Grotto and take a ride on the Ice Flyer chairlift to the Glacier Park. Here you can also go sledding in the summer! Venture onto Europe’s highest suspension bridge, the Cliff Walk? After this unforgettable winter experience, the descent takes place in the late afternoon and return journey to Lucerne.
Duration: 5.5 hours
Departure: Lucerne
Adults: CHF 137.00
Children: CHF 68.50
Languages: German, English, Spanish
We are happy to organize this tour for you. For all available dates please contact our reception.
Pilatus – The Golden Round Trip
Experience an afternoon full of emotions on this excursion! Various cable cars take you to the summit of the unique Pilatus with numerous hiking opportunities and wonderful photo opportunities. Descent with the steepest cog railroad in the world followed by a relaxing boat trip on Lake Lucerne.
The eventful afternoon begins with a short bus ride to Kriens, where you take the panoramic gondola lift to Fräkmüntegg. Continue with the aerial cable car “Dragon Ride”, whose large panoramic windows give you the feeling of flying and let you enjoy the breathtaking view even more. Once at the top, take a short walk to the top of Mount Pilatus (2132 m) along the Dragon Trail and enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding mountains of the Swiss Alps and blue lakes below. Various restaurants will take care of your physical well-being. The subsequent descent on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway* (gradient 48%) to Alpnachstad is a special highlight and will certainly thrill you. Relax on the one-hour boat trip* on Lake Lucerne and enjoy the landscape from a completely different perspective. The excursion ends at the port of Lucerne.
Duration: 5.5 hours
Departure: Lucerne
Adults: CHF 127.00
Children: CHF 63.50
Languages: German, English, Spanish
We are happy to organize this tour for you. For all available dates please contact our reception.
*Seasonal program adjustments:
Early/mid May 2021: depending on weather/snow situation, the cog railroad will be replaced by the cable car.
The boat trip will take place from 22.05. to 17.10.2021.
18.10. – 24.10.2021: ascent with the cable car, descent with the rack railroad, without boat trip but incl. restaurant voucher
25.10. – 12.11.2021: ascent and descent by rack railroad, without boat trip but incl. restaurant voucher
13.11. – 14.11.2021: ascent with the cable car, descent with the rack railroad, without boat trip but incl. restaurant voucher
Ski Trip for Beginners
Escape the city for a full-day trip to one of Switzerland’s most attractive alpine regions, the idyllic Bernese Oberland. Experience an unforgettable adventure in the Jungfrau region and learn to ski in a 2.5-hour beginner’s course with a professional instructor.
Enjoy the ride through the beautiful landscape while you relax and follow the interesting stories of the multilingual guide. After a short stay in Interlaken you will continue to the ski area of the famous mountain resort Grindelwald. There you will receive the necessary equipment and be greeted by your professional ski instructor for an exciting afternoon on the gentle slopes of the Bodmi Arena – a perfect slope for skiing beginners! In the 2.5-hour ski course you will learn the correct techniques and learn to glide independently over the fresh snow. The perfectly groomed slopes and the breathtaking view of the Eiger north face will inspire you. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture this unique experience! Before the return trip, you will have some time to explore the mountain village of Grindelwald.
The tour is accompanied from Lucerne to Interlaken and from Interlaken to Lucerne by a professional multilingual tour guide (English/Spanish/Chinese/German). During the ski course you will be supervised by a certified ski instructor (English/German) from our partner “grindelwaldSPORTS”.
Duration: 10 hours
Departure: Lucerne
Adults: CHF 295.00
Children: CHF 295.00
Languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, German
We are happy to organize this tour for you. For all available dates please contact our reception.
Bern – panoramic tour in the capital
Discover Bern, the capital of Switzerland, on a premium small group tour! The excursion takes you along the Grand Tour of Switzerland through the scenic Entlebuch and Emmental valleys. Sample unique Swiss pastries during a visit to the Kambly World of Experience and the world’s largest cheese at the Emmental Show Dairy.
Exclusive small group tour in a comfortable minibus (max. 16 participants) through the idyllic moorland of the Entlebuch, Switzerland’s first UNESCO biosphere reserve. Numerous farmers in the region still practice their craft according to old traditions.
During a visit to the Kambly Erlebniswelt, you will browse through the immense variety of exclusive pastries and learn more about the history and tradition of the “Bretzeli”, Switzerland’s most famous cookie. Continue your journey through the typical Bernese hinterland to the Swiss capital. In Bern, an informative city stroll through the historic old town awaits you. The typical arcades, the famous Zeitglockenturm (Zytglogge), the Gothic church (Münster) and the Bundeshaus are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Again and again you will catch a glimpse of the river Aare, which flows around the old town. Before continuing your journey, you will have free time to explore the city on your own and have lunch. Continue through a fascinating landscape rich in cultural heritage. The region is characterized by small villages with majestic farmhouses set amidst rolling hills.
Visit the Emmental show dairy for the highlight of the day! Tour the cheese dairy on the audio-visual “King’s Trail” and learn more about the production of the world’s most famous cheese. Marvel at the huge cheese wheels in the impressive cellar and indulge your senses during a cheese tasting with a view of the cheese masters’ workplace. Afterwards, visit a nearby farm and watch grazing cows on green hills producing the high-quality milk, the main ingredient of the world-famous Emmental cheese.
After a photo stop with a breathtaking view over the rolling green hills of Emmental to the triumvirate of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau on a clear day, start your return journey to Zurich with a goody bag filled with Swiss specialties collected throughout the day at the attractions you visited.
Infants (0 – 5 years): not recommended on our small group tours. Exceptions upon request.
Duration: 8.75 hours
Departure: Lucerne
Adults: CHF 220.00
Children: CHF 110.00
Languages: English, German
We are happy to organize this tour for you. For all available dates please contact our reception.
