There’s more to do in the Entlebuch region now too. As well as guided tours of the peatlands, you can hike the biosphere trails to experience bucolic farmland, alpine meadows, and forests where you might spot ibex, chamois or lynx, plus there are volunteer and research programs. We also hike through the dramatic karst landscape, where the Schratteflue, an extensive network of underground caves, lies beneath our feet. Peering down into a deep hole, it’s impossible to see how far it goes. It’s a playground for spelunkers, but one few tourists are aware of.
The cave system brings other benefits too. Flowing under the rock is icy cold water used in the Kneipp bath in Flühli, where hikers can refresh themselves in a series of open-air baths. Wading into the icy water, I can only stand the cold for a few minutes, but the effect of alternating between the ice-cold water and the warmth of the sun is invigorating.
Invented in the 19th century by Father Sebastian Kneipp, a Catholic priest and one of the forefathers of the naturopathic (complementary therapy) movement in Germany, cold-water bathing is believed to have great health benefits. In any case, it’s very relaxing. “Coming here after a long hike is my favorite thing to do,“ says Entlebuch local and our hiking guide for the day, Joshua Herzog.
