Last Friday I had a day off work and took the chance to go outside to empty my head. I wanted to go to an area where sunshine was forecasted and where I haven't been so far on my excursions in Switzerland. So I settled for Lake Sempach and while I did some research, I found a second lake closeby and decided to visit them both. To avoid the early morning rush hour I arrived in Sursee only about 9.30 am and started my hike straightaway towards the first lake: Lake Mauen. Walking in the forest along the outskirts of Sursee, it didn't took me long to reach my first destination. Arriving at the lake, there was a gap between all the bushes and I marveled at a frozen lake covered with a layer of snow. Wow! Definitely not what I expected. I decided to walk around the whole lake as there also was a castle on the other side that I wanted to check out. So I turned left and started the loop around Lake Mauen. As predicted the sun was shining and together with the fresh air I really enjoyed the stroll along the lake. When I came to the castle I had to learn that it was private property and a closed gate kept curious visitors outside. That was a pity, but nevertheless I was glad to have taken a closer look. Enlightened by the sun and a blue sky as backdrop, the castle and the snow on the frozen lake made for an altogether beautiful sight.
Continuing onwards on the loop I took a short break on a small gangway that led a bit further onto the lake. Lucky me I was here on a Friday as I was almost alone visiting this lovely place. Not that much later I arrived at the starting point again and made my way back to Sursee the same way I came from. Bypassing the railway station I walked straight into the heart of the town. After the quietness at the lake, the hustle and bustle of the city centre was not very nice and I was glad once I was back in the outskirts again. Passing a small church on a hill, I decided to take my lunch break there. Enjoying the still shining sun and a view of Lake Sempach it took me 45 minutes before I moved my feet again. :) Heading down to the lake I first visited Zellmoos a protected area on a peninsula. Finding a bench at the waterside I kinda regretted that I had my lunch already. The view was simply stunning and when I arrived at a similar spot five minutes later, I had to sit down to marvel at the beauty of this peaceful place.
Back on the main trail I crossed the lido of Sursee and made my way alongside the lake. Unfortunately the trail also followed a highway during this first part. So while to my right was a nice and calm lake, all I got from my left was tons of noise and traffic. Nevertheless I wanted to continue along the lakeside and therefore strayed from the official hiking path. But it didn't took long to realize that that was a bad idea. First, there was only one way to follow the lakeside and this was on a sidewalk of a main road. And second, there was no way to get up close to the water as the shore was lined with houses on private properties. Therefore I decided to get back onto the official hiking trail again. Lucky me the path was still closeby and shortly after I joined the trail again I had to hike up a short ascending slope. It turned out that the way on this side of Lake Sempach was a high path with more than a nice view. While for the first 20 minutes the highway was still too close, the noise was drowned out later and the road with all the cars vanished from view. It was gentle walking on a paved road and I very much enjoyed the panorama. The Alps had started to come into view at the horizon, there were snow covered hills on the other side of the lake and the sun still enlightening everything made for a wonderful landscape. Latest by now, I knew that it was the right decision to follow the official hiking trail.
Towards the end of the lake, the way led down to the beautiful old town of Sempach. After a short stroll through the town centre I made my way to the lake and there it was time for a break again. I sat down at the shore, enjoying the slowly setting sun and the view across the lake. Too soon it was time to keep on going and 10 minutes later I left the trail around the lake and walked onwards to the railway station of Sempach. Arriving there at almost 5 o'clock I had another beautiful winter day behind me. I very much enjoyed all these different landscapes and sceneries today and with a head light as a feather I made my way back to Zurich. :)
Highlight of the day: the sceneries at both lakes
This hike is for you if:
- you want a panoramic view of Lake Sempach
- you're looking for a hike doable in all weather
- you prefer to walk on flat ground most of the time
- you want the possibility of taking a swim during the hike (of course in summer only)
This hike is not for you if:
- you mind being close to civilization all day long
- you don't want a highway disturbing your peace and your view
- you mind walking a long distance in one day
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