Hiking the Alpine Panorama Trail – Stage 11 Luzern to Malters

Stage 11 of the Alpine Panorama Trail (Route 3) is a 13 km long trail with 490 m ascent and 430 m descent that goes from Luzern to Malters.

This stage is a lovely ramble that starts on the cobblestone streets in the old town of Luzern. It then heads into the countryside where there are fantastic mountain views. The last section of the hike follows alongside the Kleine Emme river.

Although the description for this section included the Ränggloch, a narrow gap in the rocks in the valley, we did not get to see it as that section of the trail was under construction. Fortunately, the detour around going through fields and farmland was charming in its own way.

Detail Summary

Where:	Luzern to Malters Canton Luzern, Switzerland
Train/Bus:	Zürich HB -> Luzern – 41 min Malters, Emenstrasse -> Zürich HB – 1 hr 7 min
What:	Alpine Panorama Trail – Stage 11 Luzern to Malters Yellow trail markers – Alpine Panorama Trail Route 3
Skill:	Medium – About 3 hrs 45 min Length 13 km, Ascent 490 m, Descent 430 m

Additional Info

Alpine Panorama Trail – Stage 11 Luzern to Malters
Luzern Tourism (Spelled Lucerne in English)

Photo Stories for Other Stages

Stage 1 – Rorschach to Trogen
Stage 2 – Trogen to Appenzell
Stage 3 – Appenzell to Schwägalp
Stage 4 – Schwägalp to Stein, SG
Stage 5 – Stein, SG to Amden
Stage 6 – Amden to Siebnen
Stage 7 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln
Stage 8 – Einsiedeln to Unterägeri
Stage 9 – Unterägeri to Zug
Stage 10 – Zug to Luzern
Stage 11 – Luzern to Malters
Stage 12 – Malters to Wolhusen

Getting There

The Alpine Panorama Trail is best done with public transportation as each stage starts and ends at different points. This stage starts at the main train station in Luzern and then heads past the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge). Couldn’t resist getting my picture there.

After passing the bridge, we were on our way.

The Trail

Right at the start of the trail, there was a farmer’s market. We browsed the stalls but didn’t buy anything, although we were tempted by some of the baked goods and cheeses. We then continued on through a section of the old town where we walked along cobblestone streets and passed sidewalk cafes.

As were were heading out of town, we began the climb up to Sonnenberg. Along the way we had, some very enjoyable views back down of the city.

As we approached the top of the ridge, we had lovely views from both sides. Cows and mountains are a classic Swiss combination.

There is a funicular up to the Sonnenberg where there are a number of attractions – mini golf, mini horses, and restaurants.

The next section of the hike was a pleasant walk along the ridge with mountain views and dips into the forest for shade. At about the halfway point in the hike, we began the descent, into the valley.

Normally this trail goes past the Ränggloch, a narrow gap in the rocks in the valley. Unfortunately, that section of the trail was under construction. However, the detour through fields and farmland was lovely in its own way. We even stopped and sat in the field and had our picnic lunch.

After the detour though the forest above the Ränggloch (to far above to see it), we came out the other side of the valley and headed down towards Malters. Here, the trail follows along the Kleine Emme river and is easy walking.

We were still alongside the Kleine Emme when we reached Malters.

Getting Back

The end of the hike technically is at the Malters, Emmenstrasse bus stop. If you time it right, you can catch this bus back to the train station. If not, you can do what we did and walk the extra ten minutes to the station.