Hint

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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
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://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

Alpine Panorama Trail

Rorschach - Genève
Learn more about # title #

All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 13/29

Distance

17 km

Duration

5 h 30 min

Ascent

1100 m

Travel information: Malters

Current Offers

  • Ebnet Edelwhite Gin Distillery: tour with tasting

    You will be guided by an experienced distiller through the Edelwhite Gin Distillery in Ebnet in... from CHF 180
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Edelwhite Gin Distillery: tour with tasting
  • Lucerne "Alice in Wonderland" virtual reality game in Lucerne

    With the virtual reality game "Alice in Wonderland" you play a fantasy game in Lucerne. Immerse... from CHF 109
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2026 - 19.05.2027

    Learn more about "Alice in Wonderland" virtual reality game in Lucerne
  • Lucerne "Diamond Hunt" Smartphone Scavenger Hunt in Lucerne

    Play as a team in a smartphone scavenger hunt in the city of Lucerne. This game combines old... from CHF 38
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about "Diamond Hunt" Smartphone Scavenger Hunt in Lucerne
  • Lucerne Classic city tour Lucerne private

    Experience a guided tour of Lucerne. You will be shown the historic Old Town, the Musegg Wall and... from CHF 300
    Offer details


    valid: 17.06.2026 - 28.10.2026

    Learn more about Classic city tour Lucerne private
  • Lucerne Gallows deadline guided city tour Lucerne

    On the trail of the penal system, you’ll discover all the dark secrets of the city of Lucerne.... from CHF 30
    Offer details


    valid: 23.05.2026 - 21.11.2026

    Learn more about Gallows deadline guided city tour Lucerne
  • Lucerne "Women who moved Lucerne" Guided tour through Lucerne

    In this city tour you will get to know special female personalities from the history of Lucerne.... from CHF 30
    Offer details


    valid: 12.09.2026 - 28.11.2026

    Learn more about "Women who moved Lucerne" Guided tour through Lucerne
  • Lucerne "Hidden Gems" Lucerne public e-bike tour

    On the electric cargo bike tour, you will discover the surroundings of Lucerne in a group. You'll... from CHF 159
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2026 - 31.10.2026

    Learn more about "Hidden Gems" Lucerne public e-bike tour
  • Lucerne Ticket Lucerne - Küssnacht am Rigi by boat

    You travel on this route ticket from Lucerne, crossing Lake Lucerne for about an hour to Küssnacht... from CHF 31
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2026 - 18.10.2026

    Learn more about Ticket Lucerne - Küssnacht am Rigi by boat
  • Lucerne Ticket Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne

    This ticket grants you entry to the Verkehrshaus in Lucerne and allows you to explore many... from CHF 37
    Offer details


    valid: 22.05.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Ticket Swiss Museum of Transport Lucerne