Eschenbach Lu combines a long monastic history with nature and routes for hiking and cycling. Two distinct themes take centre stage around the village: church and monastery architecture, and moorland and wetlands. There are also paths by Lake Baldegg and rail connections. When planning your trip, you can decide whether culture, nature or activity should shape your stay.
Monastic History and Church Architecture
Three dates chart the history of the convent: it moved to its present location in Obereschenbach in 1309. In 1588, the Lucerne government called on the Augustinian nuns to join the stricter Cistercian order. In 1675, the relics of Saint Vincent were brought from Rome to Eschenbach.
Between 1909 and 1912, the convent’s own church was built as a Neo-Baroque structure with a central dome. Its defining features include three richly decorated altars with extensive gilding. A small tympanum bearing the so-called Tetragrammaton rises from the centre of the church roof.
The parish church of Eschenbach offers another take on church architecture: August Hardegger built it in the Neo-Baroque style as a three-aisled church. Its decorative interior makes it look almost like a Rococo church. The 2026 Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property Protection classifies the monastic complex, comprising the Cistercian convent, parish church and mortuary chapel, as a Category A cultural property.
Moorland, Hiking Trails and Picnic Spots
The protected Mettlenmoos is divided into a nature conservation zone and a buffer zone. Along the Moos nature and information trail, information boards explain the wetland and moor habitats, their importance to ecological balance and how they are changing. The moor experience trail can be explored independently; check local conditions before your visit.
The suggested hike “From Eschenbach to Lake Baldegg” starts in Eschenbach and runs through Frauenwald rather than along the road to Oeggenringen. The route is 10.9 kilometres long, takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, and is rated moderate. Its final section follows the shore of Lake Baldegg to the Baldegg lido. Route distances and times may change with route updates; check the current route and conditions along the way before setting out.
There are barbecue areas with playgrounds at two locations: by the gravel pit in Eschenbach and in Frauenwald. The barbecue area in Frauenwald is open to the public.
Getting Around by Bike or Train
The Herzschlaufe Seetal cycle route runs away from traffic from Eschenbach to Lenzburg and back. The e-bike route can be ridden in two day stages; shortly after the start, the first stage passes Eschenbach Monastery. The route and signposting may change, and conditions vary by season. Check them before setting off.
The Mindfulness Trail – Lake Baldegg Route is a 44.5-kilometre cycling tour starting and ending in Eschenbach. The western loop of the Herzschlaufe Seetal is 65.8 kilometres long. These routes therefore offer different published distances to help you plan a cycling trip.
The Seetal railway between Lucerne and Lenzburg also stops in Eschenbach. From Lucerne, you can reach Eschenbach by train or car in just over 20 minutes. The village is also accessible on the S9 from Lenzburg or Lucerne. Check the current timetable before travelling and compare the options that suit your stay.
Discover more destinations: Schongau, Hochdorf, Ermensee, Lieli, Hämikon, Rain, Hohenrain, Rothenburg.
Return to the main travel overview: Hochdorf.
