Berry trail to Alpnach Dorf

Berry trail to Alpnach Dorf

Difficulty: T1-T2 / ✶✶✶
Distance: approx. 15 km
Duration: approx. 4 h 40
Ascent: 672 m
Descent: 1ˈ242 m
Highest point: 1ˈ648 m
Stations: Gfellen – Mittlisthütten – Wängen – Balismatt – Märenschlag – Schybach – Lütholdsmatt – Chrüzplatten – Winterhalten – Sattel – Hostatt – Alpnach Dorf
Best time to hike: May – November

This scenic route runs from the Gfellen bus stop, under the Wängen ridge and on down to Alpnach Dorf. We got to Gfellen by bus no. 232 from the station in Entlebuch.

The hike is largely through forest, which has its advantages, especially when the heat gets bad. In addition, there are berry bushes stretching for kilometres right along the trail.

It was the first time I had seen such an abundance of them in Switzerland. In May, they were still green. Therefore, lovers of these forest fruits should wait until at least the end of June before hiking.

To begin with, your ascent will be made more pleasant by the view from the right of the Schimbrig mountain (1ˈ817 m above sea level), which may not be very high, but stands out from a distance. Moreover, in combination with the green alpine meadows and the cows grazing on them, it contributes to a picturesque landscape.

Beyond Wängen, an equally magnificent view opens up of the Pilatus mountain range, with the highest peak Tomlishorn (2ˈ128 m).

The closer you get to the village of Alpnach Dorf, the better you can see the Alpnachersee lake and the green hills around it.

Finally, I would add that going down this route is not the easiest. After all, there is more than 1,200 metres of altitude difference to overcome. Your knees can feel it.

However, it is comforting to know that once you reach the highest point on this trail, you walk slightly downhill on a paved road for the next section of the route. So there is a chance to rest after climbing upwards. Only later do slipping stones appear on the path, making the descent somewhat more difficult.

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