ViaGottardo
Overview
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Distance 30 km
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Duration 7 h 20 min
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Ascent 320 m
Intro
The hike through the foreland of Luzern passes places of note on the former «Hochstrasse», namely the Mariazell Pilgrimage Chapel, St. Martin's Church at Kirchbühl and the town of Sempach. The most important monument along the way is the Rotbachbrücke (bridge) at Rothenburg.
Description
The long hike to Lucerne starts at the Sursee railway station. For the first few minutes, you cross the old town, which was awarded the Wakker Prize in 2003. Dating back to the 16th century, the late-gothic Rathaus, or town hall, is the landmark of "Sorsi." The route passes the Lake Sempach lido and crosses the motorway soon after. Until Eich, your hike continues above the lake, offering scenic views of the Pilatus and the surrounding mountains. The shady cherry trees near the hamlet of Kirchbühl and the charming old houses invite you to linger for a while. A small town, Sempach is famous for the historic 1386 Battle of Sempach. St. Jakob Chapel above the town commemorates the victory of Lucerne over Austria. Back on the lakeshore, there's often a chance to watch the kite surfers. The Swiss Ornithological Institute (Vogelwarte), which provides a wealth of information on domestic birds, is also located by the water. The information path through the grounds leads past the aviaries and pond with aquatic birds.
The route leads south through a residential area, along pastures and the Waldbach forest and through an industrial area before passing the chapel. In the Adelwiler Wald forest, the twittering birds can easily make you forget that you are between a motorway and railway line. The Neuenkirch motorway service area might change your mind. Passing under the motorway, you reach a small high-plateau setting with scattered farmsteads. The view over pastures and mountains – Rigi, Pilatus and Titlis among them – is magnificent. After the village centre of Rothenburg with its timber-framed and shingle houses, an old wooden bridge crosses the Rotbach. Soon afterward, you reach the Emmen airfield.
On the Reuss River banks, a weir that delivers electricity to 3,500 households catches the eye. Continuing along the river, you finally reach Lucerne. The city's lakeside promenade, the houses on the opposite side, the small weir and, of course, the world-famous Chapel Bridge outstrip each other in terms of beauty. The bridge was built in the 15th century as part of the city's inner fortification ring. It almost completely burned down in 1993 but was reconstructed within eight months. The long stage ends at the Lucerne Culture and Convention Centre (KKL) near the railway station.
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 |
Sursee
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Luzern
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| Direction |
One way
|
| Ascent |
320 m
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| Descent |
400 m
|
| Distance |
30 km
|
| Duration |
7 h 20 min
|
| Duration back |
7 h 25 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Season |
All year
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| More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe7.... |
Quick Facts
Route number
