Eigenthal lies at the northern foothills of the pre-Alpine Pilatus Range, around 10 kilometres southwest of the city of Lucerne. The village is considered a natural retreat. Options include hikes of varying lengths, cross-country ski trails and a snowshoe tour. This lets you choose between a short loop and longer routes without having to fit every activity into the same outing.
Hiking: from easy trails to a circular route
An easy hike to the Unterlauelen Alpine restaurant starts at the “Eigenthal, Talboden” PostBus stop. Conditions on the trail may vary. A longer circular route runs from Eigenthal via Lifelen and back to Eigenthal: it is 5.65 kilometres long, rated moderate, and passes through Guberwald, over the “Meienstoss” alpine pasture and through Bannwald.
Another option is the 8.9-kilometre circular route from Eigenthal to Regenflüeli. Along the way, there are views of Pilatus, Rigi and the Jura; visibility depends on the weather. For a hike towards Schwarzenberg, the route passes through sections of forest and by Meiestooschäppeli. A small wooden bridge crosses the Rümlig. This hike is also considered suitable for families with children.
In winter: cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
The specially signposted Herzloipe is a two-kilometre loop for classic cross-country skiing and skating, with no gradient. Its preparation depends on snow conditions. The six-kilometre Eigenthal trail has 90 metres of ascent and is rated easy; trail conditions can vary seasonally. The cross-country skiing centre, starting point for the standard trail, is around 200 metres from the PostBus terminus. Winter operations on site may vary.
A night trail is also listed, at three kilometres in length; it operates seasonally. If you prefer snowshoes to cross-country skiing, there is a 9.9-kilometre winter route with 485 metres of ascent. It offers views of the Swiss Plateau and Pilatus, weather permitting. The different trail lengths and elevation gains help you estimate the scope of your planned tour.
Moorland and protected nature
The cantonal protection regulations aim to protect the landscape, the village character and viewpoints, and to preserve natural landmarks and alpine plants. The Eigenthal nature reserve includes the Forrenmoos raised bog in the front of the valley and a forest reserve with the former Pilatussee lake in the rear of the Eigenthal. The Meienstoss area is home to numerous raised and fens, as well as wet meadows. These habitats support rare animal and plant species.
Marienkapelle and local history
Marienkapelle Eigenthal dates back at least to 1517. Its Baroque interior has an organ. In addition to the Sunday service, hikers visit the chapel for a brief moment of quiet reflection. It therefore offers a cultural point of interest alongside the trails and landscape.
The history of ownership also goes back a long way: Eigenthal initially belonged to the monastery in the Hof in Lucerne, was bought by the Habsburgs in 1291 and acquired by the city of Lucerne in 1453. The abundance of timber in the Eigenthal was the main reason for Lucerne’s acquisition. Since 13 August 1846, Eigenthal has belonged to the political municipality of Schwarzenberg.
Getting there and practical planning
You can reach Eigenthal by car from Lucerne or the N2 motorway in around 20 to 30 minutes. The village can also be reached on foot via scenic hiking trails, by bicycle or bike on well-maintained routes, and by car. A reservation is required to transport bicycles on the PostBus service to Eigenthal; check the current transport requirements before travelling.
For the wider travel overview: Schwarzenberg.
