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Intro

Between lake and mountains, Sarnen is your haven of peace in central Switzerland. You stroll along Lake Sarnen, swim on well-kept shores and start tours in Obwalden's mountains. By train and bus you can reach destinations such as Pilatus, Stanserhorn and Melchsee-Frutt.

Sarnen at a glance

This is Sarnen

Sarnen is the gateway to Lake Sarnen and the capital of the canton of Obwalden – ideal for Baden, walking, cycling and as a base for excursions. The town is located south of Lucerne in central Switzerland.

Discover Sarnen

Start at the lakeshore: Promenade, bathing areas and picnic meadows are within easy reach. A walking tour takes you to the old town with historic buildings and to the Landenberg hill. At the lido, you can swim laps or rent a stand-up paddle. On the shore path you cycle or hike with a view of the lake and mountains. Cafés and restaurants serve simple, regional cuisine – perfect for a break with a view.

Lake Sarnen

At Lake Sarnen, you can swim in family-friendly places, explore it on stand-up paddle boarding or take a canoe spin. The riverside path offers you flat stages and playgrounds for children. In the evening, enjoy the peace and quiet by the water and plan the next tour.

Starting point in Obwalden's mountains

From Sarnen you can quickly reach Pilatus, Stanserhorn and Melchsee-Frutt. In summer, panoramic paths, moorland landscapes and mountain lakes await. In winter, slopes, winter hiking trails and toboggan runs beckon. The excursion destinations are well connected by public transport.

Around Sarnen

A short detour takes you to the Glaubenberg and Langis – ideal for walks and snowshoe tours. To the south is Lake Lungerersee with bathing areas and vantage points. Culture can be found in the Ranft near Flüeli, the place of pilgrimage of Brother Klaus. Lucerne with its Chapel Bridge and museums is also only a short drive away.

Experience Sarnen for less

With the Obwalden Guest Card, overnight guests benefit from attractive discounts on mountain railways, museums and excursions. With the Tell-Pass, you can enjoy free travel by bus, train, boat and mountain railways throughout central Switzerland.

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Overview
Sarnen
Lucerne – Lake Lucerne
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Impressions

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Experiences & Activities

Hotels

  • Tailormade Hotel Krone Sarnen 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Tailormade Hotel Krone Sarnen
  • Hotel Metzgern

    Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Hotel Metzgern
  • Berghotel Langis

    Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Berghotel Langis
  • Hotel Peterhof

    Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Hotel Peterhof
  • Jugendstil-Hotel Paxmontana 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Flüeli-Ranft, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Flüeli-Ranft, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Jugendstil-Hotel Paxmontana
  • Hotel Kurhaus am Sarnersee 3 Stars

    Wilen bei Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Wilen bei Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Hotel Kurhaus am Sarnersee
  • Parkhotel Waldheim am Sarnersee

    Wilen bei Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Wilen bei Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Parkhotel Waldheim am Sarnersee
  • Hotel Krone

    Kerns, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Kerns, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Hotel Krone
  • Seehotel Wilerbad 4 Stars

    Wilen bei Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

    Learn more about: Wilen bei Sarnen, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne Seehotel Wilerbad
  • Hotel Kreuz by b_smart

    Sachseln, Lucerne – Lake Lucerne

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Current Offers

  • Alpnach Pilatus summer trip self-guided with cogwheel railway and cable car from/to Alpnachstad or Kriens

    Visit Pilatus on a half-day tour with the world's steepest cogwheel railway, as well as gondola and... from CHF 80
    Offer details


    valid: 11.05.2026 - 15.04.2027

    Learn more about Pilatus summer trip self-guided with cogwheel railway and cable car from/to Alpnachstad or Kriens
  • Grafenort Paragliding from Bülach to Engelberg Valley

    During a tandem paragliding flight from Büelen, you see vast mountain peaks, gentle valleys, and... from CHF 175
    Offer details


    valid: 17.04.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Paragliding from Bülach to Engelberg Valley
  • Melchtal Ticket Cable Car Melchsee-Frutt from Stöckalp

    You ride the cable car from the valley station Stöckalp to Melchsee-Frutt. Melchsee-Frutt is a high... from CHF 25
    Offer details


    valid: 13.06.2026 - 12.10.2026

    Learn more about Ticket Cable Car Melchsee-Frutt from Stöckalp
  • Stansstad Team Challenge at your chosen location

    You'll experience a variety of team games in the great outdoors, enhancing collaboration and... from CHF 99
    Offer details


    valid: 20.04.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Team Challenge at your chosen location
  • Stans Paragliding in Engelberg Valley from Stans

    You experience a tandem paragliding flight through the 25 km long Engelberg Valley in the canton of... from CHF 200
    Offer details


    valid: 16.04.2026 - 16.10.2026

    Learn more about Paragliding in Engelberg Valley from Stans
  • Wolfenschiessen Cable car ticket Niederrickenbach ab Dallenwil

    With your ticket, travel between the valley station Niederrickenbach in Dallenwil and the mountain... from CHF 13.20
    Offer details


    valid: 22.04.2026 - 12.10.2026

    Learn more about Cable car ticket Niederrickenbach ab Dallenwil
  • Engelberg Glacier adventure on the Titlis

    On this excursion to the Titlis, you don't have to worry about a thing. Your guide will pick you up... from CHF 425
    Offer details


    valid: 17.04.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Glacier adventure on the Titlis
  • Engelberg Titlis Return Ticket incl. Ice Flyer

    First, take the cable car up to Titlis and then glide over the glacier with the Ice Flyer. You cross... from CHF 114
    Offer details


    valid: 16.04.2026 - 01.11.2026

    Learn more about Titlis Return Ticket incl. Ice Flyer
  • Engelberg Titlis Ticket from Engelberg

    Take the ride from Engelberg to Titlis at over 3000 meters. The "Titlis Xpress" cable car and the... from CHF 102
    Offer details


    valid: 16.04.2026 - 01.11.2026

    Learn more about Titlis Ticket from Engelberg

Travel information: Sarnen