Up to the Chrotthütte and back along the Wigger

In spite of two short difficult sections, this tour is relatively easy because it mostly consists of riding on roads and forest tracks. The challenges consist of tackling the steep gradients and elevation. The route leads from Willisau on the Eggen to the Menzberg and through the Chrachegrabe to the vicinity of the Napf. The return leg of the route leads effortlessly along the valley floor beside the Wigger via Hergiswil to Willisau. Those able to do more could choose the variant that follows demanding and sometimes even difficult single trails up to the grandiose panorama on the Napf.

 

From Willisau railway station, take Bahnhofstrasse to the square in front of the Unteren Tor. Pass the Hotel Mohren and follow the road to the right up to Schlossfeld. Keeping straight on, the road now leads steadily uphill to the Vorberg, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Napf mountains for the first time. The ever-changing views are now set to continue as you pass through the pristine scenery. Pass Mätteberg and continue to Mörisegg. You follow the footpath towards the Napf and soon reach the two difficult sections of the ascent. You climb to the chapel of St. Joder via Underskapf and the Seblenschür. You could pause and prepare for the following rough climb at the fountain in front of the modern chapel. You reach the village of Menzberg (alt. 1016 m) via Saleschür. In the village, you follow the road which leads past the shooting range up to Bergbüelschür. Now it's about 250 elevation metres steep down to the Paradiesli in the Chrachegrabe (alt. 775 m). After that, the road snakes steadily back up to the Chrutoose at alt. 1060 m. After a small incline and a return ascent, the route leads past the Chrothütte refuge to the last culmination point in the Änzi forest. At this point, turn right and follow the road. You now go downhill over the Gmeinalp and the Höll through the hamlet of Hübeli to Hergiswil. You cross Hergiswil and follow the footpath along the Wigger steadily downstream to Willisau. Pedal through the little town to return to your starting point at the railway station.