Discover Menznau

For your trip to Menznau, you can plan around the places and trails that interest you: Menzberg offers an elevated setting and panoramic views, while the circular hike to Lake Soppisee provides a different perspective on the hilly landscape. Churches in Menznau, Menzberg and Geiss, as well as Seehof Chapel, add further cultural highlights.

Landscape and trails around Menznau

West and south of the village of Menznau is a rugged, heavily forested hilly landscape; to the east and north lies a cleared plateau. Between these landscapes is a narrow valley through which the Seewag flows. The Chrachebach and Kleine Fontanne form the southern municipal boundary. This transition between hills, forest, plateau and valley gives you different landscapes to consider when planning your trip.

The village of Menzberg lies at 1,016 m above sea level and offers a 360° panorama. It is the starting and finishing point for scenic circular hikes along the panoramic foothills of the Napf, leading up to its summit. If you are interested in this highland area, you can distinguish between two other route details: Route 399, the “Herzschlaufe Napf,” is signposted in both directions and includes a strenuous climb to Menzberg. From Tschoppen, the Menznau–Menzberg hike, by contrast, follows the Alpine Panorama Trail No. 3 to the Oberlehn viewpoint.

Circular hike to Lake Soppisee

The Menznau–Soppisee circular hike is 13.61 km long, follows a circular route and is rated moderate. It passes through a hilly landscape; a detour to Geiss is possible. The route then goes through Soppiseewald forest to Lake Soppisee. Its length, circular format and difficulty rating give you concrete points of comparison when considering this tour alongside the hikes towards Menzberg.

Lake Soppisee is in a nature reserve. Swimming is prohibited there; check the local nature reserve regulations before your visit. Seehof Chapel on Lake Soppensee is a cultural point of interest on the lakeshore. You can include it in your plans as a cultural attraction alongside the landscape and nature reserve.

Churches and cultural landmarks

The parish church of St. John the Baptist in Menznau and the parish church of St. Theodul in Menzberg are among the cultural landmarks worthy of protection. The parish church of St. James in Geiss is also included. It stands in the village centre and on the Way of St. James. Seehof Chapel on Lake Soppensee is also considered a cultural landmark worthy of protection. You can therefore choose from these named buildings as cultural highlights in their own right, rather than treating them as hiking destinations.

Picnic and barbecue areas and travel to Menzberg

Menzberg has barbecue areas and benches along the hiking trails. The “Ofenloch-Rutsche” fire pit in Blötti has two climbing trees, a log slide and views of the mountains.

The Paradisli barbecue area is freely accessible and open to everyone as long as the forestry hut is not rented out. Take this condition into account when planning your visit. The PostBus to Menzberg departs from Menznau railway station (route 261); check the timetable before travelling. This lets you prepare for your outing without assuming that a return service is available.

Discover more destinations: Reiden, Willisau, Menzberg, Wauwil, Dagmersellen, Luthern, Wikon, Gettnau.

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