Wiggertal–Glaubenberg
Overview
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Distance 45 km
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Ascent 1250 m
Intro
After Werthenstein, a steep climb passing isolated farmsteads in the Entlebuch UNESCO biosphere reserve, a moorland landscape with an incredible variety of flora and fauna. An effort to the Glaubenbergpass (1543 m), then a long run down to Obwalden country.
Description
Werthenstein is considered to be the second largest pilgrimage site in Switzerland. It offers a splendid view of distant Mount Pilatus and out across the Kleine Emme, which doesn’t seem all that “klein” (small) here. It’s all “obsi” (uphill) after Schachen, and the red bike sign reads: “uneven terrain for 26km, altitude gain: 1,150 metres”. A decent stretch, to say the least.
Is that pub in Fischebach just after Schachen open today? Fischenbach is a favourite among goats and sheep, where buffalo come to take a closer look at the two-wheeled intruders and foals snuggleup to their mother. The grass grows bright green under their hooves. The Feldmoos/Rengg wind farm is also located in Entlebuch and provides megawatts of electrical output with its rotors. At an altitude of 1,000 metres, the Mettilimoos moor area is stunningly pretty. And it’s actually dark in Finsterwald (Finster means ‘dark’ in German), where natural gas was extracted and fed into the grid between 1985 and 1994.
If you want to steel yourself for the next steep climb, the Gfellen restaurant offers a range of refreshments to help you refuel. This is where the Hermit Trail, which is marked with cairns, begins, and with it the climb up to the Glaubeberg Pass. Thankfully, it’s impossible to get lost here. The trail leads via “Gründli” to the top of the pass at an altitude of 1,540 metres. And once the innkeeper has opened his rustic mountain restaurant, you can relax and enjoy yourself here.
You can also enjoy the ride down to Sarnen and its contrasting landscapes, with the Grossschlierental Valley towering above you while Lake Sarnen nestles below. If you look closely, you can also see Lake Lungern higher up, while the eye-catching The Stanserhorn stands out at all times. And so we near the end of this strenuous stage in the heart of nature – what great fun we had. But it isn’t quite over yet: you can still look forward to arriving in historical Sarnen, with its pretty village square and the Brother Klaus fountain, which is itself more than 400 years old.
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 |
Werthenstein
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Sarnen
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| Ascent |
1250 m
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| Descent |
1350 m
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| Distance |
45 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
44 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
1 km
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Theme |
Over a pass, Through a nature conservation area
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Quick Facts
Route number
