Mittaggüpfi Pilatus

From Lütholdsmatt, the path gently ascends along the alp road past the Schyhüttli, over the flysch alp meadows Märenschlag—Balsimatt—Wängen, where young cattle graze about 110 days a year. From here, the view sweeps over the Little and Great Schlierental valleys, through which, after thunderstorms, feared wild torrents rush down into the valley. The path then branches off and climbs briefly and steeply to the Wängengrad and the Tripoli hut. Here, there is a panorama over the entire Sarneraatal extending to the Melchtal mountains and the Bernese Alps.

Behind the Tripoli hut, the path leads over steep wooden stairs and the ridge to the Mittaggüpfi (called Gnepfstein in Luzern dialect) at 1917 m above sea level. The Mittaggüpfi served as a lookout far into the Mittelland during World War II.

With some luck, you can spot ibex, chamois, and ptarmigans all around, and on the high plateau following a short descent, even capercaillies, also called “gamecocks” because of their mating dance.

The path leads around the Roter Dossen to Feldalp and then descends through the forest to Märenschlag. On the alp road, it returns to Lütholdsmatt, where the mountain inn invites you for a cool refreshment.

Tripoli hut: The third refuge, built in 1972 by Pro Pilatus, owes its name to Italians who had returned from the Tripoli War 1913/14 and carried out reforestation and drainage work in the area and received the first shelter. From spring to autumn, the hut is staffed on weekends.

During the season, Alp Lütholdsmatt is also accessible by public transport via bus Alpin.