Brunnen is situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne, opposite the Seelisberg, the mountain on whose slopes the Rütli oath was taken, the prelude to Switzerland's independence.
The Axenstrasse, the spectacular road that runs along the lake in front of the Rütli meadow and passes by Tell's chapel, the place where, according to legend, William Tell escaped from his jailers during a storm, starts here.
Sometimes called the "Pearl of Lake Lucerne", Brunnen is both a beautiful tourist destination and a historic town, as it was here that the Pact of 1291 was confirmed on 9 December 1315.
Situated on the Lucerne-Gotthard-Bellinzona railway line, it is a small town that has charmed many personalities: Hans Christian Andersen stayed here many times, Winston Churchill spent his honeymoon here and J. M. W. Turner found the right light for his watercolours.
Brunnen is an excellent base for discovering Central Switzerland and the winding and spectacular Lake Lucerne.
For hikers and lovers of incredible views, the Urmiberg-Bahn cable car climbs to 1180 metres above sea level to the starting point of beautiful hikes to the Hochfluh or the Rigi. It is of course a popular place for paragliding enthusiasts.
The remote Muotathal valley is also worth a visit. It is known for its old folklore, Alpine and Swiss traditions, especially music.
Useful links
Swiss Canton of
Schwyz (iSwitzerland Guide) -
Wikipedia