Brunnen - Gersau
Map: GISGeography
Brunnen is easily reached, both by train, and bus and after a small walk from the train station, we reached Brunnen harbour with great views over Vierwaldstättersee and snow covered peaks in the background. The first part of the trail is through the city, but in a calm area with constant views to the lake and surrounding nature.
At the last part of the stretch out of town, there was clear views to the Mythen peaks just above the town of Schwyz. There is a hiking trail going up to Grosser Mythen which also has a restaurant at the top.
Leaving Brunnen, the trail runs right next to the road for a while before it bends off and you start the ascent.
The water had an amazing color and looked almost Mediterranean, although a very different temperature. Leaving the road and starting the ascent, there was great views back towards Fronalpstock and the snow covered peak of Rophaien.
The trail above the road leads through thick forest and you easily forget that you have the road just below. The trail is some places a bit narrow but nowhere did I find it problematic.
As you hike up, the forest slowly opens up and you start having views to the lake and surrounding mountains again. The ascent to the main viewpoint of the trail is about 45-60 min after leaving the road below.
Once reaching the viewpoint you are rewarded with great views and there is an info board at the viewpoint, telling you the names of the surrounding peaks and villages you can see. After the viewpoint, the trail still leads upwards for a short time in the forest.
The descent down towards Gersau started in the forest but quickly changed into a gravelroad and finally through small roads at the outer part of Gersau. Just before reaching Gersau we could glimpse a still snow covered Pilatus near Luzern in the background.
After a late lunch break in Gersau right by the lake, we decided to take the boat back to Brunnen instead of the bus. It was a very nice end to the hike and took about 25 min, giving us just enough time to walk back to the train station in Brunnen and catch the train to Zurich.
