Pilatus - Fräkmüntegg - Malters via the Alpenpanorama Weg

After a night at the summit of Mount Pilatus and a last look at the Bernese Alps, you will descend towards the Alpenpanorama Weg. Before reaching the Petite Emme valley, you will have several more opportunities to admire the Pilatus massif.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: From Lucerne to Schwarzsee via the Alpenpanorama Weg

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.74 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 335 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,320 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,741 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,532 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

For ease of description, the following symbols are used:
R sign: Yellow sign with hiker pictogram
W sign: Sign or diamond with the annotation Wanderweg
Sign No. 3: Yellow multi-directional sign with green sticker No. 3

From Mount Pilatus, take the cable car down to the Fräkmüntegg station, the starting point for this stage.

(S) From the Fräkmüntegg station, cross the terrace and go down the stairs. Take the path on the right and continue to a crossroads. Look for a W sign indicating Kriens.

(1) Descend into the forest until you reach a T-junction with another W sign for Kriens.

(2) Continue downhill to the right along a beautiful path offering superb views of the Pilatus mountain range. Pass Bonere (1,356 m) and continue to a new W sign.

(3) Turn right at the sign. Follow the Wanderweg signs, passing the Berghaus Mülimäs. Continue north until you reach a crossroads.

(4) After the path narrows, begin a steep descent through the woods. The trail is not always easy to see, so look for the yellow markings on the tree trunks. You will come out onto a small road at an elevation of 1009 metres. Turn left, then right at the W sign. Continue for about 100 metres until you reach an intersection (shown on the OSM hiking map).

(5) At this point, a fairly wide forest track branches off to the left. Do not take it, but choose the small path on the right (marked with a yellow diamond). Take another steep path to reach Grüeblistrasse. Cross the stream and turn left (sign for W). Follow the Rotbach stream until you reach a waterfall and a long staircase.

(6) Carefully descend the steps and continue along the Rotbach. Cross the bridge over the Ränggbach, turn right and you will come to a road.

(7) Take the path on the right, which avoids the road. Cross the Ränggbach again via a covered wooden bridge. Return to the road and cross it with caution.

(8) Heading north, follow the Blattigweg, which is well signposted with W signs. Shortly before the industrial buildings, turn left towards a bridge over the Ränggbach.

(9) Cross to the other bank, climb the steps on the left of the bridge and turn right immediately. Continue along an almost flat path until you see sign No. 3.

(10) From this point, the route follows the Alpenpanoramaweg No. 3. After a bend to the west, cross a long meadow to the Karrenhaus farm and you will come to road 2a.

(11) Cross the road with caution and follow the new sign No. 3.

(12) Turn left towards Blatten and follow the various signs to rejoin the path that runs alongside the Kleine Emme.

(13) Follow the Kleine Emme to the main bridge and Hellbuhlstrasse.

(14) Turn left onto Hellbuhlstrasse, go past a roundabout, cross the railway line and return to Hotel Kreuz Malters, your accommodation for the night (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : mi 0 - alt. 4,626 ft - Fräkmüntegg
  2. 1 : mi 0.22 - alt. 4,741 ft - Signpost wanderweg towards Kriens
  3. 2 : mi 0.42 - alt. 4,672 ft - Kriens sign
  4. 3 : mi 0.79 - alt. 4,409 ft - Wanderweg sign
  5. 4 : mi 2.42 - alt. 3,694 ft - Start of steep descent in the woods, marked with yellow signs
  6. 5 : mi 2.78 - alt. 3,386 ft - Trail on the right yellow markings (not on the left)
  7. 6 : mi 3.29 - alt. 2,910 ft - Long staircase near the Rotbach waterfall
  8. 7 : mi 3.83 - alt. 2,293 ft - Take the path on the right to avoid the road.
  9. 8 : mi 4.26 - alt. 2,126 ft - crossing the road
  10. 9 : mi 5.03 - alt. 1,903 ft - Turn left at the bridge, take the stairs and then turn right
  11. 10 : mi 5.29 - alt. 1,952 ft - Alpenpanorama Weg No. 3 sign
  12. 11 : mi 5.83 - alt. 1,572 ft - Cross road 2a
  13. 12 : mi 5.93 - alt. 1,535 ft - Alpenpanorama Weg No. 3 sign
  14. 13 : mi 6.48 - alt. 1,549 ft - Sign No. 3 on the banks of the Kleine Emme
  15. 14 : mi 8.34 - alt. 1,621 ft - Turn left onto Hellbuhlstrasse
  16. E : mi 8.74 - alt. 1,657 ft - Hotel Kreuz Malters

Notes

In principle, the Alpenpanoramaweg No. 3 from Lucerne heads towards Malters for a 12 km route.
To enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the Bernese Alps and Lake Lucerne, this short stage is best divided into two:

  • From Lucerne to Fräkmüntegg - then cable car to Mount Pilatus. (Overnight stay at the summit).
  • Mount Pilatus - Fräkmüntegg (cable car) then descent to join the Alpenpanoramaweg No. 3 to Malters.

This detour to Mount Pilatus is only worthwhile in good weather.
If this is not the case, it is advisable to complete the stage from Lucerne to Malters (approximately 12 km, with 500 m of elevation gain and loss). With the numerous signposts marked No. 3, the route is easy to follow.

  • Green sticker No. 3 Alpenpanorama Weg
  • ? Yellow: Alpine Panorama Trail sticker No. 3. Excellent signposting with numerous signs along the entire route.
  • ? Mountain equipment, including good hiking boots, warm clothing and sun protection.
  • ? Several restaurants along the route.
  • ? Accommodation in Malters: Hotel Kreuz
  • ? A few fountains along the route, but the water is not always drinkable.
  • ? Transport: Timetable
  • ? Pilatus cable car Pilatus - Fräkmüntegg: 16 CHF (May 2022)
  • ? Weather: before setting off, check the Swiss weather forecast or Meteoblue
  • ? Alpine pastures: You will cross many alpine pastures, where farmers are very cooperative with hikers. Please stay on the paths that cross their property. Don't forget to close any gates behind you.

Worth a visit

  • Lucerne.
  • Lake Lucerne.
  • Mount Pilatus.
  • The Bernese Alps, including the Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau.
  • The Kleine Emme.
  • Malters.

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