Schrattenfluh

Mountain Limestone ridge famed for karst cliffs and hiking

Karst mountain massif in Lucerne characterized by jagged limestone ridges and alpine pastures; hikers follow marked trails to viewpoints and unique rock formations.

Main image

Schrattenfluh is a karst limestone massif in the Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland, forming part of the northern fringe of the Alps. The ridge is known for striking limestone cliffs, steep escarpments and a distinctive rugged silhouette.

Hiking and scrambling routes cross the massif and lead to high viewpoints; the area is valued by walkers, geologists and climbers for its exposed rock faces and karst features. The highest points of the massif rise to just over 2,000 metres above sea level.

The Schrattenfluh landscape is the product of limestone deposition and subsequent karstic erosion, producing blocks, sinkholes and fissures rather than extensive soil cover. These geology-driven features define the mountain’s appearance and habitats.

The massif sits in central Switzerland near the community of Sörenberg in the Lucerne canton, within the prealpine zone south of the Emmental and north of higher Alpine peaks. It is reached from nearby valley villages and mountain passes.

  • Karst landscape: Characterised by extensive karst limestone formations, including cliffs, fluted ridges and karst pavement that are prominent on the massif.
Schrattenfluh
46.8450, 7.9717

How to Get to Schrattenfluh #

The massif is in the Canton of Lucerne; access points are reachable from the Entlebuch and vicinity. Public transport in Switzerland will get visitors to nearby villages and then local trails and chairlifts or mountain roads lead to trailheads. Consult SwissTopo maps for exact routes and public transit timetables.

Tips for Visiting Schrattenfluh #

  • Hike one of the ridge routes early in the morning for dramatic light on the karst faces and fewer walkers.
  • The Schrattenfluh is a karst landscape; bring sturdy boots - the path can be broken and rocky.
  • Look for the unique limestone formations called 'mushrooms' and 'pillars' on the plateau; they are best seen from the ridge trails.

Best Time to Visit Schrattenfluh #

Best visited in summer for hiking and viewing the karst cliffs and plateaus.

Summer
June-September · 10-22°C (50-72°F) in alpine meadows
Best for hiking classic ridge walks and seeing the karst formations unfettered by snow.
Late spring-autumn
May-October · 5-18°C (41-64°F)
Longer seasons in low years; watch for sudden weather changes typical of Swiss mountains.

Weather & Climate near Schrattenfluh #

Climate

Schrattenfluh's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1449 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

111 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-7° -1°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-6°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

109 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-3°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (135 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.8
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.5
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
10.7h daylight

November

November is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

38 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-3°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

126 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Schrattenfluh