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Holiday resorts

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Forming the geographical centre (Älggialp) of Switzerland, Obwalden is characterised by a varied topography and scenery featuring mountains, forests and lakes. The capital of Canton Obwalden is Sarnen with almost 10,000 inhabitants.

Alpnach to the Pilatus

Alpnach at alt. 435 m lies on scenic Lake Lucerne at the foot of the proud Pilatus, erstwhile legendary home of a dragon. The world's steepest cogwheel railway takes visitors to the summit of this majestic mountain. Views from there of Lake Lucerne are unique and not to be missed. Set off on unforgettable, scenic excursions.

Insider tip – Städerried leisure facility
Light woodland surrounds this compact family-friendly leisure facility in Alpnachstad. A little forest path passes the lido kiosk on its way to the long sand and gravel beach – a good spot for a dip in the lake. The nature reserve on the neighbouring island is a valuable habitat for plants and animals. Fishing is permitted outside the protected zone.

Sarnen to Langis

Sarnen at alt. 475 m is the cantonal capital of Obwalden and lies on tranquil Lake Sarnen only 20 km from Lucerne, the "city of lights". It's a place that has many stories to tell, thanks to its eventful history and vibrant culture.

Insider tip – Langis-Glaubenberg moor landscape
The Langis-Glaubenberg moor landscape constitutes the largest (130 square km) continuous moor landscape in Switzerland. The landscape is composed of numerous interweaving moors, wooded areas and flowering alpine pastures. The area becomes a winter wonderland when the snows arrive. The Langis-Glaubenberg region is an "El Dorado" for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Kerns to Melchsee-Frutt

Blessed with delightful footpaths through forest, meadow and moor landscapes, Kerns municipality at alt. 560 m extends over the Melch valley holiday village at alt. 890 m with the wild Melchaa gorge to the Stöckalp, from where you can take the gondola aerial cableway to Melchsee-Frutt at alt. 1920 m. Take to the footpaths or MTB trails to discover this picturesque high alp with its flowering meadows, clear spring water, pure mountain air, unmistakable peaks and mountain lakes. Those keen on fishing are also in for a treat at Melchsee-Frutt with its three deep-blue mountain lakes.

Insider tip – Chärwald Robber adventure trail
The Kernwald is the legendary border forest between the two Unterwald half-cantons of Obwalden and Nidwalden. Thanks to its unique character, it ranks among the landscapes of national importance. The Chärwald Robber adventure trail is a highlight for children. This has a number of stopping points where the children can get to grips with the Chärwald Robber, be it searching for treasure in the hidden treasure chest, building a wooden tower or target practice with pinecones.

Sachseln to Flüeli-Ranft

Sachseln at alt. 500 m, a well-known place of pilgrimage, is idyllically situated on Lake Sarnen and surrounded by graceful mountains. Glorious footpaths let you access culture and tradition. Flüeli-Ranft at alt. 750 m is a gem of a place, full of mysticism, spirituality and nature. Exuding an intense, magical and uplifting character, this sleepy backwater lies on the Way of St. James and is the birthplace of visionary and man of peace Niklaus von Flüe (Brother Klaus).

Insider tip – Path of Visions
The Path of Visions is a footpath offering opportunities for meditation. It begins thematically in Flüeli at the birthplace of Brother Klaus and ends at his burial chapel in Sachseln. The six metal sculptures along the way and the drawings in this publication are by the Obwalden artist André Bucher (1924 – 2009). The Path of Visions was inaugurated in 1991 to mark the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation.

Giswil to Mörliap

Giswil at alt. 485 m lies in the midst of an extensive recreational landscape featuring a lake, forests, alp pastures and mountains. It offers everything you need for a holiday: a lake, green, well-kept meadows, woodland, alpine pastures and mountains. Giswil has a number of good hotels and restaurants serving excellent gastronomy. Mörlialp ski resort benefits from well-groomed slopes. With its children's playground, illuminated sledge run and restaurants, Mörlialp is a real experience for all the family.

Insider tip – Kleinteil water-powered sawmill
The water-powered sawmill (Ger: Schlegelsäge) in Giswil is the only such remaining facility in Switzerland and is made entirely from local wood. The ancient, simple yet ingenious technology requires no complex mechanical parts and is a wonder to watch. It can be viewed by contacting Giswil Tourism, which can also organise a barbecue at the same time as the visit.

Lungern to Brünig

Lungern at alt. 750 m lies at the foot of the Brünig Pass, halfway between Lucerne and Interlaken: a pristine slice of nature, recreation and enjoyment. Lungern is known for its warm welcome, its culture and its local gastronomy. Arrive and feel at home in holiday apartments or at sleep-in-straw farms.

Insider tip – Chäppeli Cheglä
On the footpath between Lungern and Brünig at alt. 911 children and grown-ups can show off their bowling skills. The venue is located next to the Chäppäli summer restaurant in Lungern, which also has a playground, a barbecue spot and wonderful views of the Bernese Alps and Lake Lungern as far as the mountains of Central Switzerland.

Directions

From the north: from Zurich take the A4 motorway to Lucerne and continue heading towards Interlaken. At Hergiswil take the A8 towards Sarnen.

From the east: from Sargans take the A3 towards Zurich; at Wädenswil pass over the Hirzel to Lucerne and at Hergiswil take the A8 towards Sarnen.

From the south: on the A2 head towards Stans and Lucerne. At Hergiswil take the A8 towards Sarnen.

From the west: from Bern take the A6 towards Interlaken, then the A8 towards Lucerne and Sarnen. (Alternatives: via the A1 and A2 or through the Emmental and Entlebuch.)

By train: trains run every half-an-hour between Zurich and Lucerne and on to Sarnen three times an hour. PostBus lines and mountain railways/cableways provide access to villages and peaks between Lakes Lucerne and Lungern.

 

Location and contact

Obwalden Tourismus
Bahnhofplatz 1
6060 Sarnen
+41 (0)41 666 50 40
infoobwalden-tourismus.ch
www.obwalden-tourismus.ch