Schwarzenberg: Hiking, Church and Winter

Schwarzenberg offers a range of reasons to visit: hiking trails lead through varied landscapes, while in winter cross-country skiing and snow-dependent activities are added to the mix. The history of the parish church of St. Wendelin, the Jodlerklub Bärgfründe and the autumn market are also local topics. You can plan which of these will shape your stay based on the time of year and your personal interests.

Hiking trails and views

Schwarzenberg and Eigenthal have more than 100 km of hiking trails. The «Grosse Welt» circular route offers views of the village of Schwarzenberg, across the Swiss Plateau and over the Rümligbach valley cut into neighbouring Entlebuch. Along the way, the route follows the upper reaches of the Chesselbach and passes through Stutzwald forest. As an alternative, it recommends a detour to the Arnenhubel viewpoint. This route therefore combines views with stretches along a stream and through forest.

Another tour is the «Between the Swiss Plateau and the Pilatus Range» hike. On the ascent to Sonnenberg, it partly follows steps through the Wolfschlucht gorge. Its highest point is Chrüzhubel, where there is a panoramic view and a picnic area. The trail descends along the Blatterberg ridge to Renggloch. The historic funicular to Kriens marks the end of the route. These details can help you take the described stages and their character into account when planning your hike, without inferring a walking time from the waypoints given.

The «From Eigenthal to Schwarzenberg» hike is also suitable for children. If you would like to plan another specific viewpoint, the «Scenic Classic» at Chrüzubel has a picnic area with views of Pilatus. The trails therefore differ in the landscapes and viewpoints mentioned; when choosing, you can focus on the places that interest you most along the way.

Cross-country skiing and winter activities

The Eigenthal cross-country ski trail runs between Schwarzenberg and Eigenthal. It is 6 km long and climbs 90 metres. The cross-country skiing centre in Eigenthal is the starting point for the standard trail and is about 200 metres from the postbus terminus. The trail’s length, ascent and the location of the cross-country skiing centre give you specific points of reference if you want cross-country skiing to be part of your stay.

There are also winter activities at Rössliplatz in Schwarzenberg: it has a drag lift, and a sledging run is prepared. Operations and availability depend on snow conditions. Before travelling, check whether these activities are available for your planned visit; the details given do not guarantee operation on specific days.

Church, yodel singing and autumn market

Construction of a church of its own began in Schwarzenberg in 1833. The parish church of St. Wendelin was built and consecrated in December 1834. A lightning strike destroyed large parts of the church in 1885; it was rebuilt. These events give the church a distinct local history. A service is held on Sundays at 09:00. If you are planning a visit for this reason, check the time beforehand.

The Jodlerklub Bärgfründe was officially founded in 1978. It maintains traditional yodel singing and Naturjodel (traditional unaccompanied yodel). The autumn market is held on Kirchweg every year on the second Saturday in September. If you are including the market in your travel plans, confirm the specific date before you arrive. This helps distinguish a recurring date from the specific day of your visit.

Plan your journey

Schwarzenberg and Eigenthal are a 20- to 30-minute drive from Lucerne or the N2 motorway. Postbus services to and from Schwarzenberg connect with SBB trains in Malters. Check the relevant timetable connections for your travel date. Depending on whether you plan to hike, use the cross-country ski trail, or visit on a Sunday or during the autumn market, different practical questions will take priority, such as connections, service times or snow-dependent availability. Discover more destinations: Eigenthal, Buchrain, Greppen, Lucerne, Kriens, Vitznau, Gisikon, Littau.

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