Emmenuferweg

The fourth section of the Emmenuferweg is perfect for warm weather: from Wolhusen it follows the shady shores of the Kleine Emme via Schachen, Malters and Littau to Emmenbrücke with plenty of nice places to swim and cool down along the way.

Shortly after the start in Wolhusen you see the monastery towering above Werthenstein. The historic town attracts pilgrims like a magnet. The path leading up to the monastery crosses an old wooden bridge and passes the Gnadenbrünneli spring. As early as 1649, the Franciscan monks claimed that this spring was a mystical fountain of grace. The water is said to have special healing powers and is available to take away in your water bottle.

Back on the shore of the Emme river, you come across several beautifully situated benches to rest your feet and enjoy the view of the mosaic-like landscape with green meadows, forests, hedges and scattered farms. A few minutes later you get to Schwellisee, an extensive floodplain with gravel banks and a flat riverbed. This is a great place to cool down your feet and enjoy the sunshine. The playground with beautiful timber elements and a grilling station is perfect for a break before you continue with the next segment of the trail that takes you to Emmenbrücke. Sunny passages across fields and meadows alternate with shaded riverside forests until you reach Littau, getting closer and closer to the vibrant outskirts of Greater Lucerne.

On the last section of the road, industrial buildings are contrasting the trees and bushes lining the Emmenuferweg, which continues to follow the path of the river. Shortly before Emmenbrücke you cross a part of the earlier Viscose property, now known as Viscosistadt. Viscosuisse was one of the largest Swiss textile companies and a pioneer of the European chemical fibre industry. The industrial buildings dating back to the company’s mergers are still well preserved and add to the industrial charm of the urban neighbourhood at the gates of Lucerne. The route through one of the most attractive river landscapes ends in Emmenbrücke where the Emme joins the Reuss.