From Lucerne to Schwarzsee via the Alpenpanorama Weg

This route is the second section of the Alpine Panorama Trail, which links Lake Constance (Rorschach) to Lake Geneva (Vevey).
See Part One: From Rorschach to Lucerne
See Part Two: From Lucerne to Schwarzsee
See Part 3: From Schwarzsee to Vevey

Preparation:
A 10-day walking tour requires advance planning.
In our experience, it’s a good idea to check the availability of accommodation, particularly in popular areas and, above all, in places where there are no alternative options.

• Napf: very busy at weekends and, furthermore, is not open every day.
• Moosegg: not open every day. Alternative accommodation available in Langnau.
• Münsingen: Just one hotel.
• Rüeggisberg: Only two B&Bs

Weather:
The climb up Mount Pilatus is only worthwhile if good weather is guaranteed.
If this is not the case, take the route from Lucerne to Malters.

• Red-white or yellow signposting: Alpine Panorama Trail, Route No. 3. Excellent signposting, with numerous signposts along the entire route.
• Mountain kit, including good walking boots, warm clothing and sun protection.
• There are a few drinking fountains along the route, but the water is not always safe to drink.
• Transport: Timetables
• Pilatus Cable Car Fräkmüntegg – Pilatus: 16 CHF (May 2022)
• Weather: before setting off, check Météo Suisse or Météo Blue
• Alpine pastures: You’ll pass through many alpine pastures; farmers are very helpful towards walkers. Please stick to the paths that cross their land. Don’t forget to close the gates behind you.
• Please note that Switzerland is not part of the EU. Mobile data charges are exorbitant. It’s advisable to download offline maps via Wi-Fi before each stage.
• In eastern and central Switzerland, very few people speak French. A basic knowledge of German or English is recommended. The local greeting is ‘grüezi’.
• Accommodation in Lucerne: Hotel Altstadt Krone
• Accommodation in Pilatus: Hotel Pilatus Kulm
• Accommodation in Malters: Hotel Kreuz
• Accommodation in Wolhusen: Hotel Rebstock
• Accommodation in Napf: Berghotel Napf
• Accommodation in Lüderenalp: Hotel Lüderenalp
• Accommodation in Langnau: Hotel Emmental
• Accommodation in Münsingen: Hotel Koncept Löie
• Accommodation in Rüeggisberg: B&B Bären
• Accommodation in Guggisberg: Hotel Sternen
• Accommodation in Schwarzsee: Hotel Bad

Hike undertaken by the author from 18 to 27 May 2022.

• Lucerne.
• Lake Lucerne.
• Mount Pilatus.
• The Bernese Alps, including the Mönch, the Eiger and the Jungfrau.
• The Kleine Emme.
• Malters.
• Werthenstein and its imposing cloister.
• Wolhusen.
• The Napf.
• Panoramic view of the Alps.
• Panoramic view of the Jura.
• Lüderneralp.
• Langnau im Emmental.
• The Emme.
• Moosegg
• Blasenfluh.
• Panorama of the Bernese Alps.
• Münsingen.
• The Aare.
• Toffen.
• Rüeggisberg and its monastery.
• Schwarzenburg.
• Guggershorn.
• Guggisberg and its Vreneli Museum.
• Zollhaus
• Schwarzsee, its resort and its lake.