Journey to Obwalden
Obwalden forms the geographical center (Älggialp) of Switzerland and is characterized by a varied, diverse landscape surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes. The main town of Obwalden is Sarnen with a population of just under 10,000.
One of the first advantages of vacations and leisure activities in Obwalden is the short journey. Our half-canton has the privilege of surrounding the center of Switzerland, i.e. being located in the center of the country. For you, our guests, this often reduces travel times enormously.
The journey by train - the last few kilometers on the Zentralbahn - is easy, comfortable and environmentally friendly. Postbuses and mountain railroads guarantee connections to villages, peaks and vacation fun. Boats leave punctually for adventure trips, and the signposts also show private transport - from trekking bikes to campers - the way to the insider tips of our homeland.
By train
Trains run every half hour between Zurich and Lucerne and three times an hour to Sarnen. Postbus lines and mountain railroads provide access to the villages and peaks between Lake Lucerne and Lake Lunger.
By car
From the north: From Zurich, take the A4 highway to Lucerne and continue towards Interlaken. At Hergiswil change to the A8 in the direction of Sarnen.
From the east: From Sargans on the A3 towards Zurich as far as Wädenswil, then over the Hirzel to Lucerne and at Hergiswil change to the A8 towards Sarnen.
From the south: Take the A2 towards Stans and Lucerne. At Hergiswil change to the A8 towards Sarnen.
From the west: From Bern on the A6 towards Interlaken and continue on the A8 towards Lucerne to Sarnen. (Alternatives: via the A1 and A2 or through Emmental and Entlebuch).
Municipalities & leisure regions
The half-canton of Obwalden encompasses around seven municipalities: Alpnach, Sarnen, Kerns, Sachseln, Giswil, Lungern and Engelberg.
Alpnach to Pilatus
Alpnach (435 m above sea level) lies on beautiful Lake Lucerne at the foot of the proud and legendary dragon mountain Pilatus. The steepest cogwheel railroad in the world takes you to the summit of this majestic mountain. The view over Lake Lucerne is unique and unbeatable. Set off on unforgettable, interesting and scenic excursions.
Insider tip - Städerried leisure facility
The small but beautiful, family-friendly Städerried leisure facility in Alpnachstad is surrounded by forest lights. A small forest path leads past the Badi kiosk, directly to the long beach (sand and gravel) and invites you to enjoy a swim. The nature conservation zone on the island next door is a valuable habitat for plants and animals. Fishing is permitted outside the zone and promises lots of fun in the great outdoors.
Sarnen to Langis
Sarnen (475 m above sea level) is the cantonal capital of Obwalden and lies on the tranquil, dreamy Lake Sarnen, just 20 km from the city of lights, Lucerne. It is a place that has a lot to tell thanks to its eventful history and lively culture - let yourself be inspired.
Insider tip - Langis-Glaubenberg moor landscape
At 130 square kilometers, the Langis-Glaubenberg moor landscape is the largest contiguous moor landscape in Switzerland. The landscape is characterized by numerous moors, forest areas and alpine meadows dotted with flowers, which are closely interlinked in places. In winter, the area is transformed into a magnificent winter paradise. The Langis-Glaubenberg region is a true Eldorado for cross-country skiers and snowshoe hikers.
Kerns to Melchsee-Frutt
Kerns (560 m above sea level) extends with its beautiful hiking trails through forest, meadow and moorland landscapes, via the vacation village of Melchtal (890 m above sea level) with the wild Melchaa gorge, to Stöckalp, from where you can take the gondola lift up to Melchsee-Frutt (1,920 m above sea level). Discover the picturesque high alp with flowery meadows, clear spring water, pure mountain air, unmistakable peaks and deep blue mountain lakes on cycle paths or hiking trails. Passionate fishermen will also get their money's worth on Melchsee-Frutt with its three deep blue mountain lakes.
Insider tip - Chärwaldräuber adventure trail
The core forest forms the legendary border forest between the two Unterwalden half-cantons of Obwalden and Nidwalden. Thanks to its uniqueness, it is a landscape of national importance. The Chärwaldräuber adventure trail is a highlight for children. At all the stations, they can get active and get to grips with the Chärwaldräuber, whether it's searching for treasure in the hidden treasure chest, building a tower with wooden blocks or throwing targets with pine cones.
Sachseln to Flüeli-Ranft
Sachseln (500 m above sea level), the famous place of pilgrimage, is idyllically situated on Lake Sarnen and surrounded by beautiful mountains. Discover culture and tradition on wonderful walks and circular routes. Flüeli-Ranft (750 m above sea level) is a gem of mysticism, spirituality and nature. Located directly on the Way of St. James and in the homeland of the peacemaker Niklaus von Flüe, the small, dreamy village has an intense, magical and serene aura.
Insider tip - Visions Trail
The Visions Trail is both a hiking trail and a meditation trail and begins thematically in Flüeli at the birthplace of Brother Klaus and ends in the burial chapel in Sachseln. The six metal sculptures on the path and the drawings in this booklet were created by the Obwalden artist André Bucher (1924 - 2009). The path was inaugurated in 1991 - to mark the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation.
Giswil to Mörliap
Giswil (485 m above sea level) lies in the middle of a vast recreational landscape with lake, forests, Alps and mountains. It offers everything that makes a vacation beautiful: a lake, green and well-tended meadows, forests, Alps and mountains. The village of Giswil has a number of good hotels and restaurants with excellent cuisine. The Mörlialp winter sports area offers perfectly groomed pistes. Enriched with a children's playground, floodlit toboggan run and good restaurants, Mörlialp is a real experience for the whole family.
Insider tip - small-scale hacksaw
The saw in Giswil is the only water-powered hacksaw in operation in Switzerland and is made entirely from local wood. The ancient, simple but ingenious operating principle does not require any complex mechanical parts and amazes onlookers. The hacksaw can be visited via Giswil-Tourismus. A delicious barbecue can also be booked.
Lungern to Brünig
In Lungern (750 m above sea level), at the foot of the Brünig Pass halfway between Lucerne and Interlaken, you can expect unspoiled nature, relaxation and fun. Lungern shines with its hospitality, cultural offerings and culinary specialties of the region. Arrive and feel at home in vacation apartments or sleeping on straw.
Insider tip - Chäppeli Cheglä
Right on the hiking trail between Lungern and Brünig at 911 m above sea level, children and adults can put their bowling skills to the test. The bowling alleys are located right next to the Chäppäli summer restaurant in Lungern with its playground and barbecue area. You can enjoy the wonderful view of the Bernese Alps and across Lake Lungern to the mountains of Central Switzerland.