Marbachegg-Bumbach winter hiking trail

UNESCO Biosphäre Entlebuch   - Don’t fancy strenuous ascents? If so, this winter hiking trail is a real insider’s tip: with its sunny location, it’s ideal for all those who prefer a short tour that’s not too demanding. The vast majority of it is downhill and even takes you across the cantonal border between Bern and Lucerne.

The winter hiking trail begins up on Marbachegg, which is easily reached by gondola lift from Marbach in just ten minutes. By the same token you have also reached the highest point of the tour as the trail leads downhill from then on. Where the hike begins, the sun terrace at the Marbachegg mountain inn is the ideal spot for a snack and some refreshments. From here there are unique view of the Schrattenfluh mountain range, the headwaters of the Emmental valley in Kemmeriboden, of Bumbach with the prominent Hohgant, and the Bernese alpine peaks.

The first section of the trail takes you past the reservoir to Schottenhof Lochsitli. At this point you are still in the UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere. Covering an area of some 400 square kilometres, the Entlebuch Biosphere boasts the largest and most numerous moorland landscapes in the country as well as a fauna and flora of national importance.

From ‘Lucerne’s Wild West’ you soon cross the cantonal border as the trail continues in the Bernese municipality of Schangnau. You are now on the home turf of ski world champion and Olympic medallist Beat Feuz. Down an asphalt road you hike past several idyllic farms. The Hohgant, Schangnau’s local mountain, seems almost close enough to touch. Soon you reach your destination in Bumbach. The PostBus that takes you back to Marbach conveniently stops directly in front of the cosy Alpenrose Restaurant.

Special tariffs for pedestrians

Throughout the entire winter season, pedestrians are able to travel up to Marbachegg and back for only CHF 10.