The Blue Trail Run
The blue trail can be completed very well by trail running beginners or families. It leads from the mountain station around Lake Melchsee via Distelboden to the end of Lake Tannen and back again.
9.5 km | leicht
Beyond the streets
Trail running & running
Trail running is your thing and endurance is one of your best qualities. You like to push your limits and occasionally go beyond them. Nature is your favorite training partner.
Then Obwalden is the right place for you. But not alone. Although our running routes and trails are anything but overcrowded, you are very likely to meet like-minded people here who share similar characteristics. Who love the feeling of coming back from a running session exhausted and with a clear head. Who might even have a training tip or two for you - if they don't run away from you.
Melchsee-Frutt
Viktor Röthlin Trails
In his home country, Viktor Röthlin shows his favorite trails so that all trail runners get their money's worth. From the leisurely pleasure runner with little trail experience to the trail running maniac who wants to be really tired in bed at night.
The red trail run
The red trail requires a little more basic fitness and good surefootedness. This leads along the Melchsee lake up to the Balmeregghorn. A fantastic ridge run follows via Erzegg down to Tannalp, then up to Bonistock and back to the starting point.
14.5 km | anstrengend
The black trail run
After completing the black route, Viktor also has no problems falling asleep in the evening. This trail leads from the valley station past Melchsee and Tannensee, up via Erzegg to the Balmeregghorn and on to Planplatten and Hochstollen before heading back to the starting point via Abgschütz at Blauseeli.
24 km | herausfordernd
Viktor Röthlin
5 tips from a professional
To make trail running really fun, Viktor Röthlin personally reveals some valuable tips.
Tip no. 1
Equipment: less is more
The great thing about trail running is that you can leave your heavy hiking rucksack at home. Nevertheless, your trail running backpack should always include a rain jacket, enough water, a few energy bars and gels, as well as your cell phone. Personally, I always pack a Biberli. Of course, you need proper trail running shoes on your feet. This will give you a good grip both uphill and downhill.
Tip no. 2
Run like a child
The surface is constantly changing during trail running. Monotony, as is often the case when running on asphalt, never occurs. So run like you did as a child. Move playfully over roots, stones, puddles and streams and vary your pace depending on the surface and conditions.
Tip no. 3
Earplugs out
I'm coming across more and more people with earplugs in their ears, even in the mountains. If someone needs to distract themselves when running in urban terrain, I can understand that. But when you're trail running, you should be fully focused. Not only does it work your muscles, but you should also be constantly aware of what's going on around you. With music in your ears, it's easy to get distracted and lose concentration.
Tip no. 4
Machining instead of running
In 2013, I was in third place when I reached the moraine at the Jungfrau Marathon. I saw the current mountain running world champion marching 150m in front of me. I was still running myself. In my mind's eye, I could already see myself finishing in second place. But unfortunately I didn't get a meter closer to him. So sometimes marching is even better than running. Depending on the steepness of the terrain, you'll be just as fast as if you were running, but you'll waste a lot less energy. My tip is to apply pressure from above with your hands on your thighs when marching.
Tip no. 5
Take a break to enjoy the view
For me, this is really part of trail running. You can enjoy the experience of standing on top of a summit for a moment. Or if you're on a beautiful ridge, stop for a moment and look back over the ridge. Trail running is so fascinating because it is an experience of nature. The times for the completed distance are secondary.