Obwalden
Obwalden is a tourism region in central Switzerland, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, close to Lucerne and Lake Lucerne. It is a rural, mountainous canton combining impressive Alpine peaks with numerous lakes, including the Sarnersee, Lungerersee and Alpnachersee, as well as many high mountain lakes. The region is home to the largest moorland in Switzerland at Langis Glaubenberg and the high plateau of Melchsee-Frutt, and the town of Sarnen lies at its centre. Obwalden offers a rich mix of nature and culture, with historic villages, the birthplace of the Swiss national saint Niklaus von Flüe at Flüeli-Ranft, and the Älggialp marking the geographical centre of Switzerland. It is a destination for hiking, cycling, water sports and winter sports, with a strong family and group tourism offer.
Summer activities
Obwalden is a paradise for hikers, with over 1,000 kilometres of maintained trails, including the multi-day Obwaldner Höhenweg around the Sarner Aa valley and the classic four-lake high-altitude hike from Engelberg to Melchsee-Frutt. The region offers extensive cycling and mountain biking, from gentle routes around the Lungernsee to demanding trails and bike parks such as the Wheel Park in Sarnen and the Giswil pumptrack. Its clear lakes invite swimming at numerous lidos and bathing spots, while water sports include surfing, wingfoil, canoeing and canyoning in the Chli Schliere gorge. Fishing is a highlight, with the Lungernsee, Melchsee-Frutt and Seefeldsee offering rich trout and salmonid waters, and climbing ranges from the discOWer rope park to sport climbing on the Bonistock and via ferrata routes.
Winter activities
In winter Obwalden becomes a true winter wonderland. The ski areas of Melchsee-Frutt and Mörlialp offer well-prepared pistes for beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders, with night skiing available at both resorts. Cross-country skiing is a particular strength, with around 45 kilometres of trails in the Langis Glaubenberg area, high-altitude trails on Melchsee-Frutt and a free skating loop on the Mörlialp, all linked to the Swiss cross-country ski pass. Winter hiking, snowshoeing and tobogganing are offered across the region, and ice fishing on the frozen Melchsee is a special winter experience.
