The Witch Trail (Hexenweg) in Wirzweli has become a Halloween tradition for our family. This scenic downhill hike offers lovely mountain views and a variety of witch-themed interactive stations that keep our kids entertained and engaged throughout the journey. The trail takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and is a wonderful way to spend an autumn day outdoors.
How to Get to the Trail
To begin the trail, take the cable car from Dallenwil to Wirzweli. The Dallenwil station is only a 25‑minute drive from Lucerne, making it a great day trip option. It’s best to check operating hours and current conditions on the website or via the webcams before heading out. If you have Swiss Half Fare or Junior Cards, bring them along for discounted tickets. Once you arrive at the Wirzweli station, follow the pink Hexenweg signs for about ten minutes until you reach the Gummenalp cable car. This second cable car is smaller, privately operated, and fits around four adults. Press the call button to summon it, which alerts the operator. Around noon on weekends, lines can form, so start early to make the most of your day. Payment for this ride is made in cash upon arrival at the top
Lunch Stop at Gummenalp
At the top station, Gummenalp, you’ll find Berggasthaus Gummenalp—a cozy mountain restaurant with a terrace overlooking the valley and a small playground for kids. On cooler days, indoor seating makes it a comfortable stop. The restaurant serves classic Swiss dishes, including schnitzel, rösti, and items from a kids’ menu. Our kids loved their animal-shaped chicken nuggets, while I enjoyed a delicious schnitzel. Service was friendly, the food excellent, and the prices comparable to other alpine restaurants. It’s a great place to rest, refuel, or simply enjoy a drink before starting the hike.
Exploring the Witch Trail (Hexenweg)
From the restaurant, follow the signs toward the start of the Witch Trail. This mainly downhill path takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on how much time you spend exploring each station. Our kids loved the interactive activities along the way, which made the hike both engaging and playful:
- Pine Cone Tossing: A simple but fun game where kids can test their aim.
- Herb Smelling: Learn about different mountain herbs and their aromas.
- Witch’s Home Exploration: A small hut where children can play and imagine they’re visiting a real witch’s house.
- Talking Witch: Some stations feature audio surprises—our kids were delighted when they heard a witch’s voice from behind a door.
One of the highlights was the witch’s broom zip line, which quickly became a family favorite. Near the trail’s end, our son was fascinated by the “magic stone” station, while our daughter proudly picked her own stone as a keepsake. Even though the signage is in German, translation apps make it easy to follow along.
Final Thoughts
The Witch Trail (Hexenweg) in Wirzweli combines natural beauty, gentle hiking, and creative play in a way that’s perfect for families. Arriving early helps avoid queues and makes for a more peaceful experience. If the mountain is covered in fog, it only adds to the spooky Halloween atmosphere. In addition to the Hexenweg, Wirzweli Mountain offers many family attractions, including an Owl Path, a witch-themed playground, a toboggan run, farm animals, and pony rides. It’s truly a fantastic destination for families looking for autumn adventures in Switzerland. For more ideas, see our blog post on Wirzweli Mountain activities.