Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 12, #1 – Malters to Wolhusen.
Length: 6.2 miles (10 km);
Hiking time: 3 h;
Ascent: 725 ft (220 m);
Descent: 500 ft (150 m);
Fitness Level: Easy.
Malters is a small city of about 8,000 people. Today’s hike will stretch along the banks of the Kleine Emme River along with National Route 4. Route 4 is ‘Route of St. James’ and follows the pilgrimage of St. James across Switzerland. As such, Route 4 concentrates on seeing special religious locations such as Einsiedeln. This section of Route 3 and 4 will feature the Werthenstein Monastery.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 12, #1 – Malters to Wolhusen. Malters is a small city of about 8,000 people. Today’s hike will stretch along the banks of the Kleine Emme River along with National Route 4.
I stop to take a look around at a flood control area protecting Lucerne.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 12, #3 – Malters to Wolhusen. The hike along the river is straightforward and relaxing. Be on the lookout for hidden military installations on the other side of the river. Nothing to fear, just a topic that I find interesting: How to protect a population the size of Lucerne.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 12, #4 – Malters to Wolhusen. There is a postcard photo opportunity with the Werthenstein Monastery and the Kleine Emme River. The mountains converge, creating a narrow canyon that the river, the train, and the roads all share. Guarding all from on high is the Werthenstein Monastery.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 12, #5 – Malters to Wolhusen. The original chapel was built in 1520. In the 1630’s the current structures were built and Werthenstein Monastery has become the second-largest place of pilgrimage in Switzerland. The Einsiedeln Monastery from Stage 7 attracts the largest number of pilgrims.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 12, #6 – Malters to Wolhusen. The final section is back uphill on the other side of the river for more fabulous views of Werthenstein Monastery.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 12, #7 – Malters to Wolhusen. Then around the southside of the mountain and down to the town of Wolhusen, a population of about 4,000.