A 13.61 km circular hike leads from Menznau to Soppisee, while Menzberg offers a 360° panorama. These different highlights can help you plan your stay around hiking, scenery or culture before looking for accommodation.

Circular Hike to Soppisee

The Menznau–Soppisee circular hike is 13.61 km long and classified as moderately difficult. It passes through hilly countryside. A detour to Geiss is possible; after that, the route runs through Soppiseewald to Soppisee. Its length, circular route format and difficulty rating give you specific points of reference when choosing a hike. Geiss is a possible detour, not necessarily part of the main route.

Soppisee lies in a nature reserve. Swimming is prohibited there; check the local rules for the protected area before your visit. This lets you regard the lake as a hiking destination without planning to use it as a swimming spot.

Menzberg: Panoramas and Different Routes

The village of Menzberg belongs to the municipality of Menznau, lies at 1,016 m above sea level and offers a 360° panorama. It is the starting and finishing point for scenic hikes across the Egg, which follow the panoramic foothills of the Napf as far as its summit. This makes the name Menzberg clearly associated with both the panorama and hiking.

Other route descriptions highlight different aspects: Route 399, the “Herzschlaufe Napf,” follows a strenuous climb to Menzberg and is signposted in both directions. From Tschoppen, the Menznau–Menzberg hike follows the Alpine Panorama Trail No. 3 to the Oberlehn viewpoint. When comparing hikes, the Soppisee circular hike has a specified distance and difficulty rating, while the climb to Menzberg is the main focus of the Herzschlaufe.

Landscape and Orientation

The landscape around the village of Menznau changes noticeably with direction: to the west and south is rugged, heavily wooded hill country, while to the east and north is a cleared plateau. A narrow valley with the Seewag runs between them. Chrachebach and Kleine Fontanne form the municipality’s southern boundary. This description of the area adds a general sense of direction to the hiking routes around Menznau.

Churches and Cultural Monuments

The parish church of St. James in Geiss stands in the village centre and on the Way of St. James. It is listed as a cultural monument worthy of protection. The parish church of St. John the Baptist in Menznau and the parish church of St. Theodul in Menzberg are also listed. At Soppensee, Seehof Chapel is recorded as a cultural monument worthy of protection. These places offer a cultural focus alongside the hiking trails and landscapes described above.

Practical Information for Your Trip

Postbus line 261 runs from Menznau railway station towards Menzberg. Check the timetable before travelling. Menzberg has barbecue areas and benches along its hiking trails. The “Ofenloch-Rutsche” fire pit in Blötti has two climbing trees, a log slide and mountain views.

The Paradisli barbecue area is freely accessible and open to everyone, provided the forestry hut is not rented out. Use is therefore subject to this condition; check before your visit. Another barbecue area near Renggwald is about two kilometres from the village, in a sheltered clearing at the edge of the forest. The route there offers mountain views. When planning, you can choose between a described rest spot along the hiking trails, the conditionally accessible Paradisli area and the barbecue area near Renggwald.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Menzberg, Dagmersellen, Gettnau, Wauwil, Wikon, Pfaffnau, Reiden, Luthern

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