Panoramic Hike on the Lindenberg (Schongau – Horben – Hohenrain)

Crossing the Lindenberg, the route leads from pilgrimage churches to castles and sites linked to the history of religious orders. In between are forests, broad meadows and views of the Central Swiss Alps.

From the Schongau, Oberschongau bus stop, it is only a few steps to the pilgrimage church of St. Ulrich. The hiking trail then leaves the village, crossing meadows and woodland on its way up the Lindenberg. This elongated ridge lies between the cantons of Lucerne and Aargau, with panoramic views of the Central Swiss Alps opening up from its crest. The route climbs via Müswangen to its highest point at around 860 m.

Schloss Horben stands on the Horben plateau and was once the summer residence of the monks from Muri Abbey. The trail now descends through the rural hills to Lieli. Just off the route lie the nine-sided ruins of Nünegg Castle; the accessible viewing platform is well worth the short detour.

After Lieli, a short section away from the marked hiking trail network leads to the Maria zum Schnee pilgrimage chapel. Stations of the Cross line the onward route before it descends via Ibenmoos and Güniken to Hohenrain. Here stands the former commandery of the Knights Hospitaller, one of the order’s oldest establishments in what is now Switzerland. Shortly afterwards, the hike ends at the post office in Hohenrain.