Circular route Menznau - Soppisee

Tip
13.61 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Great panorama
Hike
This route leads along rather unknown paths over gentle hills to the picturesque Soppisee and passes variety of fields, arable land, and beautiful hamlets.

At the train station, we cross the tracks heading north and follow the signpost towards Elswil. After just a few minutes on foot, we find ourselves in the beautiful hilly landscape from where we hike towards Geiss. Shortly before the village centre, the path turns left. For those who want to take a break, the detour to Geiss to the Landgasthof Ochsen is worthwhile. After crossing the Soppisee forest, we see the lake of the same name, which rests idyllically in the landscape. It got its name from the bristle grass, which is also called Soppa in the area. It doesn't matter on which side we circle the lake; almost exactly in the middle the path branches off towards Buholz. Walking past charming farms, we reach a bench at Seeburg, from where you can see the Tuetisee, at the bottom of which lies a Hunter that crashed in 1984. After another half hour's walk, we reach the village of Menznau again.

  • 3:30 h
  • 13.61 km
  • 238 m
  • 238 m
  • 566 m
  • 678 m
  • 112 m
  • Start: Menznau train station
  • Destination: Menznau train station

Waypoints

Start
Start
Menznau train station
© Diana Fry, Sempachersee Tourismus
Soppen lake
Nature reserve
Destination
Destination
Menznau train station

Good to know

Pavements

Unknown
Street
Asphalt
Trail

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Menznau - Geiss - Tambach - Soppensee - Buholz - Buechen - Wermelingen - Seeburg - Menznau

Tour information

  • Familiy-Friendly

  • Loop Road

  • Stop at an Inn

Equipment

  • Clothing suitable for the weather
  • Good footwear
  • Hiking poles are recommended
  • Camera 
  • Day backpack

Directions & Parking facilities

There are enough parking spaces near the train station.
Menznau train station

Additional information

The route offers little shade and is therefore very exposed in midsummer. Swimming is prohibited at Soppisee.

Author

Willisau Tourismus

Organization

Willisau Tourismus

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

A detour to the Landgasthof Ochsen is worth it! Reopening after renovation in early June 2021

Since the Soppisee is located in a nature reserve, swimming is prohibited.

Map

Swisstopo 234 T Willisau 1:50'000

Nearby