At Mauensee, a protected lakeshore landscape, hiking trails and a rich island history come together. In the village district of Kaltbach, cheese adds another dimension. To plan your visit, it is worth familiarising yourself with the rules by the water first, then choosing between lakeside trails, village history and what the KALTBACH Cave has to offer.
Lakeside Trails and Rules by the Water
Mauensee and its immediate surroundings are designated as a nature reserve; the current version of the cantonal ordinance has been in force since 1 January 2014. Existing lakeside paths must be maintained and kept permanently open. A hiking trail circles the lake, allowing visitors to experience the natural surroundings and lakeshore on foot. Swimming, bathing and fishing are not permitted. In wet weather, sturdy footwear is needed; bicycles are also prohibited around the lake.
Landscape and Hiking Trails
Mauensee lies on the eastern edge of the Wauwilermoos, nestled between the Santenberg and Leidenberg moraine hills. The landscape is peaceful and largely unspoilt. Mauensee is the remaining lake in an area where three lakes once lay on what is now a flat moorland. The others gradually silted up or were drained as a result of peat extraction in the mid-19th century. The lake today thus brings together an existing lakeshore landscape and the history of a plain that was once much richer in water.
There are different landscape highlights to enjoy on a hike. The trail around Mauensee follows the lakeshore; the forests of Leidenberg and Santenberg offer shady hiking routes in summer. Another option is the well-signposted “Springtime Delights in Lucerne” route, which leads through Sursiwald forest to picturesque Mauensee. The routes therefore differ in their described courses: one centres on the lake, while the other leads through the forest to the lake. In wet weather, sturdy footwear remains essential for the lakeside trail.
Village Centre, Chapels and Castle
West of the lake lies the village centre, with its closely spaced farmhouses, a cheese dairy and St Rochus Chapel. St Eligius Chapel is a separate building: it was first mentioned as a castle chapel in 1723 and was rebuilt after the village fire of 1849. Together, the two chapels offer different points of reference for the village’s history.
The castle’s history also spans several centuries. The first evidence of a castle on the largest of the four islands in Mauensee dates back to the 13th century; it may have been founded by the Barons of Büron. The present-day Mauensee Castle was built in 1605 on the site of this medieval castle. After changing hands several times, the castle and lake remain privately owned to this day.
KALTBACH Cheese Cave
In Mauensee’s village district of Kaltbach, Emmi Schweiz AG operates a rock cellar for the natural ageing of its cheeses. Specific production processes may change. Water and ice formed the KALTBACH Cave more than 22 million years ago. The KALTBACH visitor centre offers cave tours and product tastings. Check the current tour schedule before your visit, as times may change. This adds a dedicated guided experience about cheese to the trails and historic sites.
Discover more destinations: Triengen, Wolhusen, Eich, Neudorf, Nottwil, Neuenkirch, Beromünster, Hildisrieden
Return to the main travel overview: Sursee.
