Circular Tour from Heiligkreuz via Mt.Farnere in the Entlebuch near Luzern

Sunday October 29, 2023 -- Having traveled through the Entlebuch region of Canton Luzern the day before, we chose to return there for Sunday's excursion, as it is really not very far from home. We had read about a hiking suggestion for a circular tour to the summit of a mountain from where you got a good view south toward the Bernese Alps, and the hike would take under three hours. So this was the pick for the day.

A small bus took us from Schüpfheim on the Kleine Emme River up to the mountain village of Heiligkreuz, which is a popular pilgrimage site since 1344 (and also a popular church for weddings), from where we basically ascended a steep 500 meters (suggested time was 90 minutes, but it only took us 70!) to the summit. At this time of year, the whole mountainside was in shadow, which is usually preferable for steep ascents, but it was quite cold! And by the time we got to the top, once again the sky became overcast, and even though we could see far and wide over this UNESCO Biosphere Region, I would again have preferred the sunshine to light up the countryside!

The return to Heiligkreuz was via a less-steep route along the crest, with a view toward Mount Pilatus from its west side. After a quick look into the church, we were back on the bus and on our way home again by 2:15 p.m.!

We got to the Heiligkreuz church by 10:40 but didn't want to look inside the church yet, as it seemed like a special church service (many people in traditional costumes) was just letting out.

A large stone between the church and restaurant indicates that this location has been a pilgrimage site since 1344.

A view over the Entlebuch Region of Canton Luzern

The circular path from Heiligkreuz to Mt. Farnere takes about three hours to walk. We started at 10:50 and were back at the church at 14:05.

Heading up the mountainside through a large clearing and past one single farmhouse before the steep ascent through the forest.

We passed one lone farmhouse before the steep ascent.

We took a 10-minute break sitting on the bench at the farmhouse, with this view down to the village of Heiligkreuz and across the Entlebuch

A walk on a forestry road just before the steep ascent. The colours now make hikes like this more interesting.

As we ascended on the steep trail, we had one or two glimpses through clearings of the trees. This view is down to the entrance of the valley that leads to the popular resort village of Sörenberg. (Mariental)

As we emerged from the forest onto the crest, we got views of mountains in all directions. This here is a very close-up look of the peaks to the East, possibly in the Melchtal or Engelberg Region.

Directly southeast from this ridge is a long range called a "Flue" (in this case the Abnistetteflue), and the highest point on the right is called "Schafmatt". We haven't done any hikes at all in this region before, and this gave us ideas for later, maybe in spring when it's warmer?

This is the view up the Marien Valley (Mariental) toward Sörenberg and the Bernese Alps past that, from the summit at Farnere, where we did stop for our picnic lunch, but left soon afterwards because there were too many people here.

A close-up view of the north face of mount Eiger. You can also see the peak of Mount Mönch behind it, but Mount Jungfrau and the popular Jungfraujoch are hidden in low clouds.

Heading northeastward now along the crest. Ahead of us all the time is the Pilatus Massif.

To the south is the Abnistetteflue, and far beyond that is a second "Flue" range called the Schwändiliflue. (Side Note: Almost exactly one year earlier, on Oct.27, 2022, we did a wonderful hike on the other side of the Schwändiliflue. Those photos are HERE)

The colours are not bad at this time of year! An alternative to the loop tour we did would have been to hike down this valley to the southwest.

As we head down the crest, we get a couple of looks into the Entlebuch on the north side.

Once again, we have the Pilatus Massif ahead of us. The closest peak on the left is called Mittaggüpfi. Beyond that is the peak called Widderfeld, which we had planned to walk to four weeks earlier. And furthest at the back is the Matthorn which I walked up to by myself in August. (Those photos are HERE)

What's really interesting about seeing the Pilatus Massif from this side is that we now get a look at the other side of the Widderfeld Peak which we had planned to hike to four weeks earlier, when we cut the hike short at the arrow, and returned to Pilatus Kulm. (Those photos are HERE). The trail would have continued along that dotted line.

This farm along the way is called "Oberer Hasler-Howald"

Another good look down at the village of Heiligkreuz. It looks like we might have some sunshine after all, about the time we have completed our hike!

And another look to the southeast to the Schwändliflue and Mount Schafmatt in the center.

Along the way is a restaurant called First, which is probably popular in winter as there is a small ski lift from the Heiligkreuz side to the crest here.

Final descent along the crest as the trail doubles back toward the village at the far left.

It actually turned out to be a pleasant afternoon for a hike, even without the great view of the Bernese Alps.

Last descent back to Heiligkreuz. Another interesting note: Back in 2016 (end of November) we walked along the crest in the very center range, starting in Schüpfheim and ending in the town of Entlebuch. Those photos are HERE.

We come across many Fly Amanitas at this time of year, but never any this HUGE!

A small section of forest featured some cute carvings out of cut-down trees. Looked like a king's army!

Back in Heiligkreuz, this is the "Hotel Kurhaus Heiligkreuz"

Now we have some nice sunshine illuminating the trees, making them look like gold.

The stone monument with the metal plate celebrating the 650-year anniversary of Heiligkreuz as a pilgrim destination. This time the sun is shining on it!

A pretty house across from the church.

It's now just after 2 p.m. and we had 10 minutes till the bus came, so this is when we had a look inside the church.

And now, as we wait for the bus, a look at the summit of Mt. Farnere where we first ascended to, and the crest we then crossed, before returning here on this 7½-kilometer toop hike