Alpine Panorama Trail
Overview
Intro
This stage follows one of the main routes of the Jakobsweg (Route of St. James). The highlight is the Werthenstein complex, a place of pilgrimage with a famous Bernese pietà and a small pietà fountain, which is said to help mainly with eye problems.
Description
Wolhusen, known for its Tropical House, is located near the UNESCO biosphere Entlebuch. What’s really peculiar about the town is that it belongs to two different municipalities. The area on the right bank of the Kleine Emme is part of Werthenstein. The trail follows the river on the north side, out of today’s town of Wolhusen. The path up to Steinhuserberg is relatively steep. As you pass lush green meadows and some scattered farms, you will see Menzberg from far away. It is the highest village on Napf Mountain and a former climatic health resort. From the mountain village in Lucerne’s backcountry you have a fantastic panoramic view over the lovely hills of the Emmental region. Solitary old trees towering on many of these hills make a particularly inspiring picture.
Menzberg with its distinguished church is located approximately halfway through today’s stage. Soon after you reach the forest preserve. The natural, barely used forests provide an important refuge for rare plants and animals. After the Chrothütte hut, the hike becomes challenging again: The ascent through Chrachegrabe to Hapfigchnubel is exhausting. Luckily, the trees keep you in the shade and offer some cooling. The route continues mostly on wide country lanes and forest roads, but it rises steadily via Stächelegg up to Napf Mountain at 1408 m, the end of today’s walk.
On the highest observation point between the Emmental and Entlebuch valleys you have an unobstructed panoramic view of the backcountry of Lucerne, the Emmental and the Mittelland region. At night you can see the lights twinkling from Jungfraujoch, Stockhorn and Weissenstein on the front range of the Jura Mountains. Napf Mountain consists primarily of conglomerate rock. A valuable consequence is the Napf gold. The region is still the centre for nugget gold. Panning for gold in the streams of the Napf is an experience offered by a variety of organisers.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
Start location |
Wolhusen
|
---|---|
Destination |
Napf
|
Direction |
One way
|
Ascent |
1100 m
|
Descent |
280 m
|
Distance |
17 km
|
Duration |
5 h 30 min
|
Duration back |
4 h 35 min
|
Technical requirements |
Easy
|
Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
Season |
All year
|
Theme |
Along Water
|
More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe3.... |
Quick Facts
Route number
