Circular hike Gfellen-Schimbrig

UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch - Enjoy a varied hike around the Schimbrig. Those who take on the steep ascent, which requires surefootedness and concentration, will be rewarded at the summit with a great view of the Entlebuch mountains, the Pilatus including Lake Lucerne, and the Bernese Alps.

From Gfellen, follow the Grosse Entlen river to the Stilaub bridge. Cross the river and follow the hiking trail on the right side towards Schimbrig. At the beginning, you have your destination, the Schimbrig, clearly in sight before the path leads you in zigzags up the steep meadow slope. After about 30 minutes, you reach Alp Understettili. From there, follow the farm road. Shortly before Schimbrigbad, you may notice a somewhat special smell. This is the sulphur spring. Dare to take a sip of the healing spring water.

From Schimbrigbad, walk up a meadow path to the edge of the forest. Cross the forest in zigzags. Here, between the trees, you can already catch the wonderful view of Entlebuch. Now follows the most spectacular part of the hike. The last 160 meters of elevation to the summit are mostly on the ridge. At first, young trees line the ridge, but the last meters lead you along the bare, grass-covered ridge. From here, you have a great view of Titlis and the Bernese Alps. Lake Lucerne is also visible on the right side of the ridge. Shortly before the summit, a pasture fence crosses the ridge. A gate gives you free access to the nearby summit cross. Enjoy the panoramic view!

After a short break, return along the ridge the same way. Shortly before the path leads back into the forest, climb over the fence on the left side using a small ladder. From here, descend in 15 minutes to Alp Loegg. Along the way, you will find a bench, which is ideal for a short stop to enjoy the view. From Alp Loegg, walk across the meadow for 20 minutes, descending more than 200 meters to Alp Chätterech. From there, follow the farm road and steadily descend to Alp Grund. From there, the path leads for about two kilometers along the Grosse Entlen river, with the last 300 meters on an asphalt path. Cross the river over an old wooden pedestrian bridge and follow an ascending forest path. At the height, pass Alp Brüderen with its small chapel. From here, the Hermit’s Path leads through a holiday home settlement down to the starting point Gfellen.