Erlebnis Energie Entlebuch

Platform "Light & Sun"
The first platform is located above the village. A wonderful sun garden has been created here, right next to the Emscha sheep milk farm with farm shop. From spring to autumn, plants that relate to the sun bloom here. Relaxation loungers are available and those eager to experiment can try a burning glass. By the way, Emscha is the first zero-energy dairy in Switzerland, and the barn doors on the associated farm are always open.

Platform "Air & Wind"
Next follows the longest and steepest section, the approximately one-hour scenic ascent through meadows and pastures to the two impressive wind turbines at the Feldmoos farm. Here you can compose melodies on a pipe seesaw using your body.

Platform "Earth & Moor"
Now it continues comfortably on the plateau towards the Mettelimoos moor area. Especially in autumn, the entire area is bathed in a reddish hue, but it is a wonderful natural area in all seasons. At the "Earth & Moor" platform, you will learn how the moor was formerly mined and how peat was used as heating energy. The moor is home to specialized plants and animals that are found nowhere else. With some luck, you might even discover the carnivorous plant sundew. And then it's "take off your socks" not far from the peat hut, because in the foot bath you should definitely enjoy the beneficial effects of the moor.

Platform "Gas & Fire"
Continuing gently upwards through the fantastic moor landscape over Finsterwald to the only site in Switzerland where natural gas was ever extracted. The hole in the ground is 5,289 m deep — almost as far as you have walked so far, hardly imaginable! A nice playground with a soccer field and barbecue area is available here, some tables are also under a roof, making the place an ideal rest stop in both hot weather and rain.

Platform "Forest & Wood"
Now it goes back down into the valley, initially gently until the "Forest and Wood" platform. There, in the Chilewald forest, illustrative wooden displays show the energy consumption of houses with various energy standards. Just a few hundred meters further, you can hardly believe your eyes when you encounter a Lucerne tram inviting you to a picnic.

An alternative is the direct descent via the Bachwil neighborhood into the village of Entlebuch.

Platform "River & Water"
But the detour to the "River & Water" platform is really worth it. After a short ascent, you reach the former castle site with chapel. Then it goes almost adventurously steeply down many steps to the dam, where a channel leads to a small hydropower plant. Along the canal, there is a well-secured path and partly even a wooden footbridge through the romantic river landscape. The flowing Entle river invites you to bathe your feet or more at various cozy spots. Not far from the main road is the small hydropower plant Farb, built in 1903, which today supplies electricity to around 400 households. With children, a visit to the energy playground is worthwhile. This and a lovely fire pit lie along the path, which leads back through the cool forest along the Entle river to the Entlebuch train station.

Allow about 15 minutes extra for visiting each platform.

Good footwear, rain jacket, and enough drinking water for the trip are essential for every hike.

Further tips for safe hiking, information about cow-calf herds and guardian dogs, and much more can be found on the website of the Swiss Hiking Federation.

The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch lies in the heart of Switzerland, centrally located between Bern and Lucerne. You reach Entlebuch via main road 10. From Sarnen, drive over the Glaubenberg towards Finsterwald and Entlebuch.

You can reach Entlebuch by public transport via the Bern-Lucerne railway line. 

Plan your trip with the SBB online timetable.

The flyer including map and description of the six experience platforms can be found here.

Discover the energy trail on two wheels! The individual platforms can also be visited by e-bike. A rent-a-bike station can be found at the Landgasthof Drei Könige.