Snowshoetrail First

Heiligkreuz is a real gem in the Entlebuch UNESCO biosphere. The snowshoe trail begins in this well-known destination for pilgrims. You climb past the Kurhaus Hotel and the former holiday home of the Ingenbohl Sisters of Mercy; the second half of the route follows the winter hiking trail. Passing the First alpine refuge you follow the panorama of the Schafmatt towards Hasler Howald over snow-covered pastures in mostly open terrain. Continue slightly uphill to the Doppleschwanderhowald. If you're lucky with the weather, this is where you can glimpse distant views to Sörenberg and the Bernese Alps: aside from the Schrattenfluh and Brienzer Rothorn, you could see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau triumvirate and other tall Bernese peaks.

Are your legs still in good shape? Then, if it's safe to do so, how about a detour to the Farnere, the mountain nearest Schüpfheim, gateway to the Entlebuch? The First snowshoe trail leads from the Doppleschwanderhowald directly and relatively evenly back to the First mountain restaurant. You may like to pause here and enjoy the panorama on the sundeck while sipping a genuine Entlebucher Kafi, which is coffee laced with Träsch or Chrüter (fruit or herb schnapps). On one side, you can see the Heiligkreuz ski lift, backed by wide-ranging views of the Napf and even the distant Jura chain. The other side is more alpine, with the imposing Risetestock, Schimbrig and Schafmatt jutting skywards.

After taking a break to enjoy the sweeping views, follow the route back to the First Alpine Hut. Then continue along the same trail as at the beginning back to Heiligkreuz, the starting point. If you prefer not to take the same route back, turn off at the mountain restaurant and head straight for Reistegg; this brings you back to Heiligkreuz on the same route as the winter hiking trail.