Little Melchaa Gorge

From Giswil railroad station, the hike first heads towards Sachseln. After crossing the newly relocated Melchaa, the path winds through the forest up to the viewpoint. Once at the top, you will be surprised by the exceptionally beautiful view.

After another short ascent, the trail reaches the Tobelsträsschen. The entrance to the gorge begins at Melchaaboden. Deep below, the water of the small Melchaa rushes through narrow, old glacier mills and passages with many small, deep blue rapids. The route continues through very narrow passages with high vertical rocks, directly alongside the torrent. Passing the beggar's nest and the evil Stieg with the cathedral, the hiking trail finally reaches the power plant of the Obwalden power station. This is where the two tunnels that carry the water from the Grosses Melchtal further into the Lungerersee join.

The hike ends at Rindenhüttli.

In winter, the ravine is a magical landscape with beautiful giant icicles! In the winter months, the hike leads from Cholplatz along the path through the Grossmattwald forest and past the customs house back to Giswil.

Alternative

In summer, a hiking trail also leads through the small Melchtal valley to Älggialp (geographic center of Switzerland).