On the official circular hiking trail in Entlebuch, the path itself can be read like a trace of history. The route is 11.2 kilometres long, climbs around 300 metres and runs largely through the forest. It follows the former Entlebuch–Lucerne packhorse route, passes through a forest reserve with ponds and partly follows the old Schwanderholzstrasse, whose cobbled surface has been preserved. Forest, water and preserved road surfaces give this hike its distinctive character.
Hiking trails between forest and moorland
Another route leads from Entlebuch via Rengg to Ebnet. At Chessiloch, it passes through a historic packhorse route along a sunken lane cut up to four metres deep; at Underwald, it skirts the Zittermoos raised bog. This brings historic traces in the landscape and a named moorland area together along the way. The routes’ described highlights can help you choose: forest and former transport routes on one, raised bog and sunken lane on the other.
The Mettilimoos Moorland Trail offers another option. This easy circular trail is 14.07 kilometres long and begins and ends at Entlebuch railway station. As route measurements can change, check the current route information before setting out. The trail passes through impressive raised bogs and flower-rich fens. Historical peat-cutting tools are on display in the small peat hut in Mettelimoos. This connects the moorland landscape with a glimpse into the former use of peat.
The biosphere’s moorland landscape
UNESCO officially recognised Entlebuch as a biosphere reserve in 2001. Across the wider UNESCO Biosphere area, extensive moorlands, forests, green valleys and mountain landscapes shape the scenery. The biosphere includes 46 raised and transitional bogs and 67 fens of national importance, covering around 2,600 hectares. Its wetlands are suitable for short circular walks as well as longer day trips. The variety of trail lengths and moorland types lets you explore the landscape at your own pace.
Village history and cultural trails
Entlebuch village is home to a Baroque church inaugurated in 1780. The village lies at the confluence of the Kleine Emme and the Grosse Entlen. The Hermit’s Trail takes you to other historical points of interest: it leads to Brüedere Alp, a hermit settlement dating from the 15th century, and to the oldest alpine chapel in the canton of Lucerne. The chapel was built in 1725. The settlement and chapel give the trail a cultural and historical focus that sets it apart from the moorland and forest themes of the other routes.
Experience energy and find your way around
Erlebnis Energie Entlebuch illustrates renewable energy from water, wood, wind and sun across six platforms, as well as the historical energy sources natural gas and peat. The platforms can be visited independently of one another and without prior booking. Before your visit, check for possible temporary changes. The Entlebuch Energy Playground also makes sustainable energy fun to explore. Its 2,500-square-metre grounds are located directly behind the football pitch at the Farbschachen sports complex, between the villages of Hasle and Entlebuch on the Grosse Entlen.
The municipality’s leisure activities include canoeing on the white water of the Kleine Emme for experienced paddlers; llama trekking is available in Stillaub. As leisure activities can change, check in advance whether they are running on your chosen date. You can reach the official circular trail by postbus to Ebnet. Parking is available at the school and at the Lindenhof restaurant. Entlebuch is accessible by public transport via the Bern–Lucerne railway line; check the current timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: SchĂĽpfheim, FlĂĽhli, Marbach, Escholzmatt, Entlebuch, Werthenstein, Romoos, Hasle.
Back to the main travel overview: Lucerne.
