UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. Ramble across stirring moorlands and picturesque meadows.
Intro
Sparkling mountain streams wind their way through the lush meadows and mystical moorlands of the unique UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. This is Switzerland’s first biosphere reserve and extends over 400 square kilometres of unspoiled nature that is just waiting to be explored.
Day 1
Marbachegg – Kemmeribodenbad: treat yourself to a “merängge” after an exhilarating hike
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the “merängge” (meringues) made at Landgasthof Kemmeriboden-Bad are the stuff of dreams. The sugary peaks of whipped egg white are an even more delicious – and well-deserved – treat if you hike to Kämmeribodenbad. One great route option begins in Marbachegg. The views from here alone are worthwhile: an unexpected glimpse of the Schibegütsch and Hohgant mountains and between them the Bernese High Alps. First, a natural road leads up to Alp Imbrig and then, after a delicious piece of cheese, along the impressive Schrattenfluh, boasting captivating views of the steep slopes. Finally, down over lush Alpine meadows to where the sweet reward awaits.
Day 2
Brienzer Rothorn: capture beautiful autumnal mountain views
The views from the Brienzer Rothorn with a 360-degree panorama of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks as well as 690 other incredible mountains are simply beyond compare. Spot an ibex along the way and the amazement will be complete. Hopping on the cable car from Sörenberg, it takes just 10 minutes to reach the highest point in the canton of Lucerne, at 2,350 metres above sea level, where you can enjoy the panoramic views from the summit restaurant, which treats its guests to culinary delicacies in Entlebuch. Take a few photos, before chugging down to the wood-carving village of Brienz by steam railway.
Day 3
UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch: moorland adventures
Amble through golden, marshy upland moors and lowland fens, discover carnivorous plants and marvel at bushy cotton-grass. Covering a distance of more than 80 kilometres, the moorland trail takes in the greatest natural spectacles over five days and offers exceptional experiences: jagged limestone pavements and rolling moorlands, deep gorges and ravines from the last ice age, steep limestone faces, rustic mountain pine moorlands and romantic mountain lakes. Guided walks are also available for anyone who wants to find out more about the moors.
Restaurant tip
Escholzmatt: Gasthof Rössli
“Sorcerer” Stefan Wiesner delights diners by conjuring up local and extremely unusual dishes. Where else can you eat rowan berry or pine ice cream? While it might at first sound peculiar, its flavour is sure to win over even the greatest sceptics. Stefan Wiesner is an avid forager and keen to use whatever he finds on his walks through mountains, forests and meadows in his ingeniously inventive cooking. Every ingredient has an interesting story to tell. So, if you’re looking for a meal that will wow and inspire you with its near-magical originality, there’s nowhere quite like the Rössli.
Hotel tip
Sörenberg: Hotel Rischli
The charming Hotel Rischli in Sörenberg is as down-to-earth as it gets, its homely and cosy atmosphere is perfect for relaxation. It is the ideal place to rest and recuperate after a day spent outdoors on the moors. The hotel boasts 25 beautiful rooms, a lovely conservatory and pleasant restaurant, not to mention a big sun terrace. After taking some refreshments on the terrace, head to the hotel’s own spa for a revitalising sauna, before enjoying a delicious meal of autumn-inspired game specialities, for which the hotel is famous throughout the region. An absolute must for any gourmet stopping in the area.