Obwalden High Trail: Stage 5

In five daily stages, this route leads from the Pilatus over the geographical center of Switzerland to the Stanserhorn, always at a lofty height and with fantastic views of countless Alpine peaks and a dozen Alpine border lakes.

With the steepest cogwheel railway in the world from Alpnachstad or with the cable car from Kriens, you reach the Pilatus summit, a 2132-meter-high lookout mountain and spectacular starting point of the Obwalden high trail. The view reaches far down to Lake Lucerne and over countless Alpine peaks. Alternating between fir forests and alpine meadows, you hike on cozy paths right into the moor landscape of Glaubenberg in the area of the Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve.

Cheese and sausage directly from the alp are a delight and provide strength while hiking with views over the Glaubenbielen Pass towards the panoramic world of Lungern-Schönbühl. Höchgumme and Wilerhorn, two popular summit destinations on the way to the Brünig Pass, promise breathtaking deep views of the turquoise Brienz Lake.

Past picturesque alpine chapels, the path rises to the geographical center of Switzerland on the Älggialp. With the glaciated Titlis in view, you reach the Melchsee-Frutt lake plateau at a lofty height. The route then explores the eastern flank of the original Melch valley and offers beautiful views of the wild landscape. With a bit of luck, you may spot chamois or even an eagle on the way to the Storegg, the historic crossing into the Engelberg valley.

Stage 5: From the high plateau Melchsee-Frutt over the Melch valley mountains, the last stage leads to the Stanserhorn. The descent with the unique Cabrio cable car is a special highlight. Those who want to split this stage into two days will find a great place to sleep at Alp Lachen.