Napf Bike

The third and final stage begins at Stächelegg. But how do you get there? You can either combine the route with the second stage or start from Fankhaus (Trub). If the bus to Mettlenalp is running, this is a possible starting point. However, there are also over 250 metres in altitude gain to cover from there before you get to the official start. And you should really stop for a break there already. The views of the hilly Emmental landscape with the Alps in the background are magnificent.

There is then a descent into the Änzi forest, followed by a brief climb to Ober Waldegg and a further longer descent on a surfaced road to Hergiswil. The vast municipality covers the hill and mountain regions north of the Napf. Around six kilometres further on, you reach the neighbouring town of Willisau. This is known for Willisauer Ringli, a very hard, honey ring biscuit. It’s worth taking a detour through the beautiful medieval old town. It still looks like it did after it was rebuilt following the devastating fire in 1704.

After leaving the town behind, you cycle over the Wellberg mountain. Past Rüezligen, through the Soppensee and Grabewald forests, you reach the chapel at Merzeberg. You cycle through beautiful hamlets and pass by sawmills, expansive meadows and fields. The stunning view across Lake Sempach and the more than 40 kilometres you’ve covered so far make this the perfect time to give your legs a well-deserved break.

There are still almost 20 kilometres until the end of this stage in Lucerne. However, it is mostly downhill. You soon reach the village of Hellbühl. From here, you have around 30 more minutes of enjoying the landscape. You then quickly get right back into urban life at Emmenbrücke – cars, trains, the motorway and construction sites rather than dreamy meadows and forests. Fortunately, you quickly reach the Reuss river. From here, a pretty final stretch upstream to Lucerne follows. You cross the beautiful old town, the Spreuer Bridge, pass by the Water Tower and the Chapel Bridge, continuing on to the quay and finally the KKL Culture and Convention Centre by the station.