Emmental–Entlebuch
Overview
-
-
Distance 47 km
-
Ascent 340 m
Intro
Entlebuch, biosphere reserve, mysterious forests and grassland. Fortune seekers still pan for gold in the waters of the klein Emme and Fontanne. Past Werthenstein Monastery through the Littau alluvial landscape to Luzern.
Description
The Entlebuch is primarily associated with the UNESCO Biosphere initiative. However, it's also Western Europe's last region to produce charcoal commercially. Between 80 and 100 tons are created annually in the Napfgebiet near Romoos. Charcoal burning isn't always as quiet and bleak an activity as the landscape around here may sometimes suggest. Trees are cut down and charcoal kilns (covered wood piles) fired up, curse by curse and puff by puff – as can be seen in Robert Miller's movie "Köhlernächte" (Nights of Charcoal Burners).
Riding on the bike lane between Escholzmatt and Schüpfheim is another delight. It runs steadily downhill along the main road. The catholic part of Entlebuch has far more churches, chapels and holy figures than the Emmental valley. Another striking aspect: the different farmhouses. Whereas in the Emmental, they were massive, with large hipped roofs and regular arches, they now tend to be much smaller, with interrupted arches, small roof triangles and coloured window frames. At Schüpfheim, the route meets the Kleine Emme, formed by the confluence of the Waldemme and Weissemme. Information panels point out that many babies have been born of late. Not quite as colourful are the crows dangling above the manure heaps by the farmhouses. They are meant to keep vermin away. Next comes a challenging uphill section before the route leads downhill again in the Fontanne area.
The going flattens out again on the Kleine Emme river before Wolhusen. The "Guggenland" area, where people always look forward to their next carnival, is home to the former Werthenstein Franciscan monastery. The monastery and pilgrimage church are perched magnificently above the river loop. Near Malters, the cycling path also loops around a bit. Take a left, cross over the Torenbergbrücke bridge and through the Littau riparian zone before approaching the "Beauty by the Lake" on a long straight section. The name, of course, refers to Lucerne, a place of longing for people from around the world. But before that, you pass through a large industrial zone, with jet planes roaring overhead. Similar to these, the starlings are also partial migrants. Forming large flocks, they gather for departure on the Reuss river, only to return to scenic Central Switzerland a few months later...
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 |
Escholzmatt
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Luzern
|
| Ascent |
340 m
|
| Descent |
760 m
|
| Distance |
47 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
45 km
|
| Distance on natural surface |
2 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Theme |
Through a nature conservation area
|
| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/... |
Quick Facts
Route number
