Gitschen

A summit you’ll never unsee

The Gitschen — or “the pimple,” as my friend Marla calls it, and once you’ve seen it, you’ll know why — is one of those summits that, once you know it, you always spot again. It sits prominent above Lake Lucerne, beautifully visible from the train between Zurich and Ticino.

From Isenthal (the Postauto ride there is already quite the adventure) the hike follows a beautiful gorge up to the Neuhüttli — an easy start. From here it turns steep. As you climb higher and higher, the panorama keeps opening up, and the turquoise waters of Lake Lucerne glitter far below.

Through herds of sheep, you cross meadows and rocky sections (“Weidegg”) until you reach the Rinderstöckli, where sweeping views into the deep valley and to the surrounding peaks are guaranteed. From here, the path grows more exposed and narrower. Just below the Gitschen’s summit structure, you suddenly pass caves where you could even spend the night in a pinch — blankets and cooking gear are often stashed there, neatly packed and ready.

The final stretch to the summit is certainly the technical crux. Small metal pegs help you across the sloping limestone slabs, and chains hang in the steeper climbing passages.

Once you’ve made it, the view is simply grandiose.

On the way back, it’s worth heading down via the Musenalp instead of retracing your steps. The big rocky cirque hides great rock formations and large waterfalls, and the Musenalp tempts with cold drinks and good food. From there, you can take the cable car down into the valley to shorten the descent.

Tip: To make the climb less exhausting, take the small Gietisfluhe cable car up. It saves you 400 metres of ascent — and a very cute dog lives at the top station.

How it was for me

I did this hike with my friend Marla as preparation for her first high-alpine tour later that year — the Sustenhorn. It was perfectly suited for that: if neither the fitness demands nor the exposure give you trouble here, you’re definitely ready for the first easier high-alpine tours!