--- title: "Small Melchaa Gorge" url: "https://www.luzern.com/en/tour/small-melchaa-gorge" description: "The hike starts from Giswil station heading first towards Sachseln. After crossing the newly laid Melchaa, the path winds through the forest up to the viewpoint. Once at the top, an exceptionally beautiful view surprises you. After another short ascent, the path reaches Tobelsträsschen. On the Melchaaboden begins the entrance to the gorge. Far below, the water of the small Melchaa rushes, forcing its way through narrow, old glacial mills and passages with many small deep-blue rapids. The trail continues through very tight passages with high vertical rocks, directly along the wild stream. Past Bettlernest and the tricky path with the dome, the hiking trail finally reaches the power plant facility of the Obwalden Electricity Works. Here the two tunnels join, which lead the water from the large Melchtal further into Lake Lungerer. The hike ends at the Rindenhüttli. In winter, the Tobel is a magical landscape with beautiful huge icicles! During the winter months, the hike leads back to Giswil via Cholplatz on the path through the Grossmattwald and past the customs house. Variant In summer, a hiking trail through the small Melchtal also leads to Älggialp (geographical center of Switzerland)." language: "en" type: "SportsActivityLocation" image: "https://dam.destination.one/2859849/775973328f5dc978566b0dff8485220da23ca9e9c2ffe90f2e241ba45561d03f/.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > Welcome to Lucerne > Special > Destination.Data Details > Tour" --- GPX Share Small Melchaa Gorge =================== - Tip - 10.95 km long - Round trip - Difficulty: medium - Condition: easy - Hike The small Melchtal, also called Tobel, is a popular hiking area in both summer and winter. The hike starts from Giswil station heading first towards Sachseln. After crossing the newly laid Melchaa, the path winds through the forest up to the viewpoint. Once at the top, an exceptionally beautiful view surprises you. After another short ascent, the path reaches Tobelsträsschen. On the Melchaaboden begins the entrance to the gorge. Far below, the water of the small Melchaa rushes, forcing its way through narrow, old glacial mills and passages with many small deep-blue rapids. The trail continues through very tight passages with high vertical rocks, directly along the wild stream. Past Bettlernest and the tricky path with the dome, the hiking trail finally reaches the power plant facility of the Obwalden Electricity Works. Here the two tunnels join, which lead the water from the large Melchtal further into Lake Lungerer. The hike ends at the Rindenhüttli. In winter, the Tobel is a magical landscape with beautiful huge icicles! During the winter months, the hike leads back to Giswil via Cholplatz on the path through the Grossmattwald and past the customs house. Variant In summer, a hiking trail through the small Melchtal also leads to Älggialp (geographical center of Switzerland). Read more - 3:29 h - 10.95 km - 493 m - 493 m - 484 m - 977 m - 493 m - - Start: Giswil station - Destination: Giswil station Good to know ------------ Pavements Street (14%) Asphalt (3%) Trail (83%) Best to visit suitable Depends on weather - Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec Tour information - Circular trail Directions & Parking facilities **Getting there**From Lucerne, take the tunnel onto the A8 towards Interlaken, change at Sarnen and then continue on the A8 to Giswil. From Interlaken via Brünig on the A8 to the Giswil exit. Read more **Public transportation**From Lucerne with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express or the S5 to the Giswil stop, from Interlaken with the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Giswil. Read more Author Obwalden Tourismus Organization Obwalden Tourismus Nearby ------ View on map - Place of interest - Viewpoint - Tours 9.77 km - Hike 9.77 km - Hike 13.37 km - Hike Download GPX file - -