Chessiloch

Details: Category: Nature and landscape; Published: 25 July 2026; Hits: 9

There are hikes that surprise you at every turn. The Chessiloch near Flühli is definitely one of them. Roaring waterfalls, a spectacular suspension bridge, mysterious gorges, and a sulfur spring with a centuries-old history make this short hike one of the most exciting nature experiences in the UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve.

On the trail of sulfur

Our tour begins at the former glassworks site of Kragen. After just a few minutes on the pleasant gravel path, we are accompanied by the soothing murmur of the Seebenbach stream, while the birds begin their concert in the dense forest. Then an inconspicuous sign points the way to the sulfur spring.

A short, steep path leads down to the stream. There, the sulfurous water springs forth, its distinctive odor unmistakable. Those who are brave enough can take a sip – preferably with their nose held. Today it's primarily a curiosity, but in the past, the water was considered a true remedy.

The legend of the healing sulfur water

Stories have been told about the spring for centuries. As early as the end of the 16th century, the Lucerne town clerk Renward Cysat reported on a miraculously healing bath in the Kragen spring. According to tradition, people from all over the region made pilgrimages here to have skin diseases, aching joints, or slow-healing wounds treated.

The story of a Landammann (chief magistrate) from Entlebuch, who supposedly suffered for years from a severe leg injury, became particularly well-known. After all attempts at treatment had failed, he bathed several times in the sulfurous waters of the Chragenbad spring. According to legend, he returned home completely recovered. Whether a miracle or the mineral water itself, the spring's reputation was born and made the small spa famous for generations. Only a flood destroyed the bathing facilities at the beginning of the 20th century. The spring itself, however, still flows today.

Water shapes the landscape

Back on the hiking trail, the first viewing platforms await. Far below, the Rotbach stream has carved an impressive gorge into the rock over millennia, creating a wild and romantic landscape. The power of the water is particularly striking after rainfall.

Along the path, rapunzel, cornflowers, and wood cranesbill bloom in summer. Several fire pits along the way invite you to take a relaxing break. From here, it's only a few minutes to the main highlight.

First the bridge – then the great amazement

First, the Chessimätteli suspension bridge appears among the trees. At 65 meters long and up to 45 meters high above the Seebenbach stream, it is the longest suspension bridge in the UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve. It begins to sway gently with the very first step – an experience that delights young and old alike. It connects 14 different hiking trails and offers spectacular views into the wooded gorge.

But the real finale is still to come.

Just a few minutes further on, the rushing water grows ever louder. Then the forest opens up, and suddenly you're standing before the Chessiloch waterfall. The water plunges with tremendous force between the rocks into the depths below, surrounded by moss-covered walls and dense mountain forest. The viewing platform brings visitors incredibly close to this natural spectacle – without a doubt one of the most impressive waterfalls in the region.

Our conclusion

The Chessiloch combines everything that makes for a varied hike in a short distance: mysterious history, impressive geology, a historic sulfur spring, family-friendly barbecue areas, a spectacular suspension bridge and a waterfall that more than lives up to its reputation.

Anyone who wants to combine nature, history and a little adventure will love this place.