I got the tip for this hike from a local friend. In the spring, we were thinking about where to take the kids on a trip, and in the end, the daffodil trail above Montreux won out. So the hike in the Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve to the Chessiloch waterfall and the Chessimätteli suspension bridge had to wait a while. It didn’t happen until almost the end of the hiking season – but that certainly didn’t diminish its beauty.
After recent rains, Chessiloch had plenty of water, and the autumn colors of nature gave the place a beautiful, almost magical atmosphere.
Getting to Flühli
Flühli, the starting point of the hike, is located in the Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve in the canton of Lucerne. Flühli is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Public transport: From Bern or Lucerne, take the train to Schüpfheim, where you change to the yellow Postauto bus towards Sörenberg. Get off at the Flühli LU, Post stop.
By car, it takes about an hour and a quarter from Bern, an hour and a half from Zurich, and an hour from Lucerne. From both directions – Lucerne and Bern – turn off at Schüpfheim onto the road towards Flühli / Sörenberg. After the hairpin bend in the center of the village, you will find the Parkplatz Dorf Flühli parking lot (free of charge), which is a good starting point for the entire route. From there, turn right and hike along the river to the center of Flühli.
Next to the Kurhaus hotel and restaurant (pictured above), you will find an information board and tourist signpost. Head toward Schlund, following the blue signs marked Kneipperlebnis.ch. The route leads past the local church and then through a residential area, essentially forming a semicircle around the village.
After the Schlund signpost, the asphalt road turns into a narrow path running along the contour line.
Kneippanlage Schwandalpweiher
If you have plenty of time on the day of your hike, are not in a hurry, and the weather is good, I definitely recommend stopping at the “Kneippanlage.” In 2003, the “Genossenschaft Flühli Wasser” converted a small pond fed by two springs into a spa facility based on the methods of Sebastian Kneipp. The so-called Kneipp bath is a hydrotherapy method that alternates hot and cold water, stimulating blood circulation and refreshing the body. The aim is to activate the body’s self-healing powers and prevent illness naturally. Kneipp therapy also includes regular exercise, a healthy and balanced diet, medicinal herbs in various forms, and a balance between body, mind, and soul.
Take off your hiking boots, roll up your pants, and wade through water at a temperature of approximately 6 °C. After a refreshing water treatment, you can walk along a barefoot path to a relaxation area and stroll through a herb garden. There is an entrance fee: Adults: CHF 5.00, children under 12: CHF 3.00.
Schwandalp – Kragen
On the way from Schwandalpweiher lake, you will arrive at a place called Kragen, where a glassworks and lime kiln once stood. The first mentions of the local Glashütte date back to the 18th century, and everything from window panes to elegant carafes and goblets were produced here, which were sold as far away as Bern and Lucerne.
Today, the information board tells you not only about the history of glass production, but also about how building materials were obtained from limestone by burning. Only the foundations remain of the original settlement, but the atmosphere of the place at the foot of the forest is still strangely alive.
Today, there is also a paid parking lot for those who just want to take a short walk to the waterfall.
The route to Chessiloch leads through the forest and opens up for a moment to reveal a view of the valley with the rapidly flowing Rotbach stream. There is a small lookout point here with an information board. It states that the Rotbach used to be much narrower, to the point that a person could jump across it. Due to the floating of timber needed for the local glassworks, its banks became increasingly wider. Floods that occurred after storms as a result of deforestation also contributed to this. At the end of the 19th century, the glass industry in Flühli came to an end, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the stream’s banks were reforested.
Barbecue area
Before heading to the waterfall, you can take a break and grill something tasty.
Chessiloch
Behind the fireplace, descend to the banks of the Sewenbach stream. Be careful with small children here – the path leads over roots and stones and is quite slippery, so I recommend holding on to the rope railing. After a few minutes, you will see a beautiful waterfall with a viewing platform above it. If you wish, you can continue climbing along the bank to reach a small wooden bridge over the stream and another waterfall, Stäldeli.
Chessimätteli Suspension Bridge
However, we returned the same way to the barbecue area and then set off up a narrow, winding path. In a few minutes, we stood in front of the Chessimätteli suspension bridge. The bridge is 65 meters long and suspended 45 meters above the gorge. If you dare to cross it despite its swaying, you will be rewarded with a view of the depths of the gorge and the surrounding area.
The way back to Flühli
After testing our courage, we returned to the campfire and from there took the same route back to the former glassworks, then continued down a gentle slope along the asphalt road. At one point, the trail crosses the main road to Sörenberg, so be careful when crossing. The trail then continues along the banks of the Waldemme River. If the children still have energy, a water playground and other barbecue areas await them here.
Summary
- The route is 8.6 km long and is not suitable for strollers.
- At a normal “speed,” it will take you less than three hours, but if you stop at the Kneippanlage and barbecue, consider it more of a day trip.
- There are no refreshments available along the route (only in Flühli), but be sure to bring your own barbecue supplies.
- If you plan to visit the baths, don’t forget a towel and a change of clothes for the children.
- The route is not challenging, so light hiking shoes (trail shoes) are sufficient.
- You can find the elevation profile here.
- The route is not extremely difficult and is definitely suitable for families with small children.
