The Little-Known Lakeside Region Of Switzerland With Mountain Beauty Undiscovered By Tourists

Those searching for a peaceful alpine getaway surrounded by crystalline lakes and lush mountain scenery should look no further than the quaint Swiss town of Sisikon. Located in central Switzerland on the picturesque Lake Lucerne, Sisikon is the perfect combination of scenic and uncrowded. While less than 400 people call this little waterfront municipality home, Sisikon is just across the lake from the popular city of Lucerne (Luzern) — a lakeside gem that's one of Rick Steves' favorite spots in Switzerland.

In addition to its natural beauty, Sisikon is rich in history. Located in the canton of Uri, this area was one of the original three cantons that came together in 1291 to form the Swiss Confederation. According to legend, three leaders from Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden met in Rütli, a secluded meadow overlooking Lake Lucerne and Sisikon, to swear an oath and create the Swiss Confederation. Over time, subsequent cantons joined, forming what we know as modern Switzerland.

Like much of Switzerland, from the Swiss Alps to the scenic little-known wine region of Lavaux, the picturesque landscape of Sisikon is best explored on foot. Visitors are in luck, as this tiny town is located on the Swiss Path (Weg der Schweiz), a 22-mile-long trail that traces Lake Uri, the easternmost bay of Lake Lucerne. Inaugurated in 1991, the path commemorates the Swiss Confederation, as this area was the nucleus of the formation of Switzerland.

The trail is divided into four stages, and Sisikon marks the final stage of the trek, taking hikers north toward the resort town of Brunnen. During this 5-mile hike, you'll ascend 1,500 feet through an alpine forest, working up a sweat while taking in the sparkling lake views below and the striking peak of Uri Rotstock in the distance. Another popular choice is to take the third stage of the Swiss Path in reverse and hike from Sisikon to Flüelen. During your four-mile journey, you'll be rewarded with unobstructed views of the turquoise Lake Lucerne. About midway, trekkers will come across Tell's Chapel (Tellskapelle), a small space of worship with beautiful frescos and the largest glockenspiel in Switzerland.

The aquamarine waters of Lake Lucerne are the focal point of Sisikon, and what better way to revel in their beauty than by boat? The Navigation Company of Lake Lucerne offers services all along the lake, whether commuting between towns on a motorboat or a steamboat lunch cruise. To fully experience the magic of Lake Lucerne, opt for a half-day experience cruising between Sisikon and Lucerne. Admire the striking snowcapped peaks and quaint alpine villages like Weggis and Brunnen from the deck of a steamboat while enjoying local cuisine at the onboard restaurant.

If you're pressed for time, go for a shorter journey between the nearby towns of Brunnen and Flüelen. The cruise is an hour-and-a-half round trip but features some of the most stunning landscapes on Lake Lucerne. Enjoy the fjord-like terrain of central Switzerland, where the staggering, lush mountainside meets the crystalline lakeshore. To continue your exploration of Switzerland's lake-dappled interior, check out nearby Lungern, a picturesque mountain village with an emerald lake.