Alpnachstad belongs to the political municipality of Alpnach and is located on the Alpnachersee lake, a branch of the Lake Lucerne. A trading route led past this spot as early as Roman times. It was then called «fundus Alpinacus», the origin of today's name of Alpnach.

A hostelry, a transit point for goods and people, existed in Alpnachstad from 1578. The transit rights on water and land were granted by the monasteries of St. Blaise (D) and Lucerne to residents of Alpnachstad. Not until 1858 did the steamers on Lake Lucerne gain a limited transport right, which they still hold today.

The Hotel Bellvue on Mount Pilatus opened in 1860. At that time the only transport connection to Alpnachstad was mostly by sedan chair. Alpnachstad then experienced an enormous change in 1889 with the opening of the Brünig Railway. Alpnachstad lost its importance as a transhipment point and the hostelry was demolished.

Tourism was however subsequently developed, especially on Mount Pilatus. The same year, the Pilatus Railway was opened as a transport link between Alpnachstad and the mountain hotel. It is still in operation as the steepest cogwheel railway of its kind in the world.