Grandprix: Around Lake Sempach

2:20 h
31.60 km
350 m
350 m
498 m
724 m
226 m
Start: Sursee Station
Destination: Sursee Station

The idyllic bike route leads once around Lake Sempach. Picturesque old towns, quiet lakeside paths, and a breathtaking Alpine panorama are the highlights of this route.

In the heart of Central Switzerland lies Lake Sempach, nestled between gentle hills and with a direct view of the mighty Alpine range. The bike route goes once around the lake, along the shore, over fields, past forests, and through picturesque medieval towns.

The two towns Sempach and Sursee have one thing in common: they both have a beautiful old town in the center, which still follows the medieval layout today and looks back on a eventful history. Both municipalities take care of the old townscape and plan, build carefully, and restore thoughtfully. The skilful combination of modern and historic is a feast for the eyes and has been honored with the Wakker Prize.

A special highlight of the route is the phenomenal view. On clear days, the rock faces seem within reach and an incredible panorama reveals itself, stretching from the Glarus Alps over the Central Swiss peaks to the Bernese Oberland.

Start

Sursee Station

Swiss Ornithological Institute Visitor Centre

Nature reserve

Caribbean Village

Event location

Pavements

Street

Trail

Best to visit

suitable

Depends on weather

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Directions

The route can be cycled in the order given or in the opposite direction.

Sursee Station, Sursee Old Town, past the hospital, Seehüsere, over the Suren outlet Oberkirch, past Lindenhof, Oberkirch, lakeside path along SBB railway line, underpass at the level of the SPZ sports ground, through the Caribbean Village and past Nottwil station, up into the village, over the main road, further towards Nottwil Oberdorf, Notteler forest, Unterhuprächtigen, Hupträchtigen, middle and Oberhupträchtigen, past the farms Schwendi and Lindenholz, down to Neuenkirch, through the village and past the church, Sellenboden, Neuhus, over the railway line, Adelwil, Sempach Old Town, Kirchbühl, Neuhof, Eich, along the Roman road, in Schenkon under the highway to the lakeside path, at the Sursee bathing area up onto the bypass road, Sursee Old Town, Sursee Station.

Tour information

Cultural Interesting
Loop Road
Stop at an Inn

Equipment

Provision as needed and a rain jacket for unexpected weather changes.

Directions & Parking facilities

By car, exit the highway at the Sursee junction. Parking is available at the station on the P+R parking lots.

Parking is available at the station on the P+R parking lots or in the large shopping center right next to the station.

Arrival by train to Sursee. The route can start at the station. However, the route can also be started and ended at any point.

Author

Peter Regli

Organization

Sempachersee Tourismus

Website

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

In Kirchbühl above Sempach lies the listed St. Martin Church in peaceful surroundings with a magnificent view.

Safety guidelines

Don't miss the turnoff: Coming from Sursee and Oberkirch, the bike route follows the railway line, which is on the right side of the bike path. At the level of the sports facility at the Swiss Paraplegic Center SPZ in Nottwil, the route finally passes under the railway line and continues on the other side following the railway. The route passes through the Caribbean Village, up into the village, past the church, the Notteler forest, and finally along the hillside towards Neuenkirch.