Sarnen - Wichelsee - Alpnachstad

A few steps from Sarnen railway station lead to the village square with the town hall, a witness to the centuries-old Swiss independence of the canton of Obwalden. After crossing the Rathausbrücke, the path follows northwards sometimes left, sometimes right along the Sarner Aa up to the Aa bridge near the former Kägiswil train station, over which the Kernserstrasse runs. Crossing this and the railway line, one turns northeast and, after passing under the motorway, reaches the Wichelsee nature reserve.

The area, which has developed around the lake dammed in 1957, was declared a protected area in 2005 as a habitat for rare animal and plant species as well as a valuable landscape and recreational space. A variety of bird species congregate and breed here, enriched by rare migratory birds and winter guests. Artificially created ponds are home to numerous amphibian species. In 2007, a fish ladder was built at the Sarner Aa power station dam, allowing fish to ascend naturally in the residual water into the lake and the upper reaches of the Sarner Aa. Various benches and fire pits invite you to linger and observe nature.

From the dam, the path continues north on the embankment, which borders the collector of the Große Schliere. At its end, a footbridge crosses the Große Schliere, passing the southern end of the military airfield and crossing the motorway bridge to Alpnach station. Here, the walk can be continued on the east side of the railway line to the Kleine Schliere and on its left embankment to the delta of the Kleine Schliere. An outdoor pool invites you to rest or even cool down in Lake Alpnach. Passing the shipyard and through an avenue, you reach Alpnachstad station.

Note: The walk to Alpnach largely corresponds to the signposted barrier-free Wichelsee route 583. The hiking route can be walked in all seasons with varying landscape impressions.