The south shore of the lake – Vierwaldstättersee-Süd in German – is a land of broad green meadows and lush valleys interspersed with chunks of high forested plateau towering over the water. Once you gain some height, the views are magnificent, out across the whole shimmering expanse of blue. The shore forms part of the ancient canton of Unterwaldan, divided for as long as anyone can remember into two small half-cantons, Nidwalden (the Lower Forest) and Obwalden (the Upper Forest). It’s a perfect area for hiking and cycling, and it’s easy to base yourself either in Luzern or in the main town of the region, tiny Stans.