Obwalden High Trail: Stage 1

Tip
22.30 km long
Difficulty: difficult
Condition: difficult
Hike
  • 7:10 h
  • 22.30 km
  • 747 m
  • 1,379 m
  • 1,180 m
  • 2,075 m
  • 895 m
  • Start: Pilatus Kulm
  • Destination: Langis

In five one-day stages, this route leads from Pilatus via the center of Switzerland to the Stanserhorn, always at lofty heights and with fantastic views of countless Alpine peaks and a dozen Alpine lakes.

Take the world's steepest cogwheel railroad from Alpnachstad or the aerial cableway from Kriens to reach the summit of Pilatus, a 2132-metre-high panoramic mountain and spectacular starting point of the Obwalden high-altitude trail. The view extends far down to Lake Lucerne and over countless Alpine peaks. Alternating between fir forests and alpine meadows, you hike along secluded paths into the heart of the Glaubenberg moorland in the Entlebuch biosphere reserve.

Cheese and sausage straight from the alp are a real treat and invigorate you on the panoramic hike over the Glaubenbielen Pass to the panoramic world of Lungern-Schönbüel. Höchgumme and Wilerhorn, two rewarding summit destinations on the way to the Brünig Pass, promise breathtaking views down to the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz.

Past picturesque alpine chapels, the trail climbs to the geographical center of Switzerland on the Älggialp. With the glaciated Titlis in sight, you reach the Melchsee-Frutt lake plateau at lofty heights. The route finally explores the eastern flank of the original Melchtal valley and offers beautiful views of the wild landscape. With a bit of luck, you might spot chamois or even an eagle on the way to the Stanserhorn.

Stages:

Stage 1 Alpnachstad (Pilatus)-Langis

Stage 2 Langis-Schönbüel (Turren)

Stage 3 Schönbüel (Turren)-Brünigpass

Stage 4 Brünigpass-Melchsee-Frutt

Stage 5 Melchsee-Frutt - Stanserhorn

Stage 1: Take the world's steepest cogwheel railroad up the Pilatus. Sensational panoramic views of countless Alpine peaks; historic hotel. Lush moorland landscapes on the way through the Kleine and Grosse Schlieren valleys in the Entlebuch biosphere reserve.

Good to know

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions & Parking facilities

Train/bus/boat: Please note the train and cable car recommendations no. 321 Kriens-Pilatus and no. 322 Alpnachstad-Pilatus.

Author

Obwalden Tourismus

Organization

Obwalden Tourismus

Safety guidelines

Please note: snow fields are possible on high-altitude sections well into the summer months.

Nearby

Contact

Obwalden High Trail: Stage 1
6010 Kriens