Nestled at the base of Bürgenberg mountain, Ennetbürgen is a small, waterfront town overlooking Lake Lucerne. It’s a convenient base for exploring the sights of Lucerne and the breathtaking views from Bürgenstock, while it’s also a stone’s throw across the water from a World War II fortress.
Things to do in Ennetbürgen
One of Ennetbürgen’s most important architectural landmarks is the St. Jost Kapelle, a whitewashed chapel that overlooks the waters of Lake Lucerne. Believed to have been built around 1340 alongside a charming hermitage, it houses a 14th-century bell that still rings today. Step inside to see the stucco marble altars and vaulted ceilings that were added during 18th-century renovations.
For the best views of Lake Lucerne, head to Bürgenstock and follow the cliffside trail that leads to the Hammetschwand Elevator. It is famously Europe’s highest exterior elevator and offers superb views of the Swiss Alps. Bürgenstock has been a tourism destination since 1872, with several notable buildings dating from the post-World War II period.
A short boat ride across Lake Lucerne will take you to the Vitznau Fort, an artillery fortress constructed during World War II. It remained a secret for many years before being opened to the public, with hidden caverns, ammunition depots and tunnels to explore. Guided tours led by retired or still serving members of the Swiss Army access the fort’s workshops and operating rooms.
Getting around Ennetbürgen
Ennetbürgen is around 15 minutes’ drive from Lucerne and an hour from Zurich Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular buses connect to Ennetbürgen, as do ferries from Brunnen and Lucerne. The centre of Ennetbürgen is small enough to explore on foot.