Hint

Intro

At the center of this circular walk is Giswilerstock, the local mountain. On the Bärgmandlipfad you work your way around this huge limestone massif following ancient routes that lead from pasture to pasture.

Description

On the trail of the Bärgmandli, this hike circumnavigates the Giswilerstock, the mountain at the centre of Obwalden's mountain dwarf sagas. Legend has it that these figures with their pointy hats originally came from Venice. They knew the formula for making mirrors, which were costly items in the Middle Ages. The secret ingredient: rocks from the Alps such as brownstone, which contains manganese. Ore and mineral prospectors were soon excavating the region to find the sought-after deposits. This legends, the local geology, flora and fauna are described in the Bärgmandlipfad brochure (available at Mörli- and Fluonalp and at the Giswil tourist office).

This circular hiking route begins at Mörlialp meadow, high above Lake Sarnen. Many parts of the path take you through a no-hunting zone where wild animals can rest. There you might observe chamois, deer and also the golden eagle. In springtime, the trail features a superb cross-section of alpine flora. Along the way you can have a hearty meal at one of the local restaurants.

The trail provides wonderful views; to the south is Haslital with the Bernese Alps and the Wetterhorn chain beyond it; westward lies Mariental with the imposing Schrattenfluh; to the north are the Ried Alps bordering Mount Pilatus; and finally to the east is the lovely Sarneraatal. Tip: if you're fit and you're tempted by even more spectacular vistas, take a detour to the Giswilerstock. From Fluonalp, you can reach the cross on the summit in a little more than an hour.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Mörlialp
Destination
Mörlialp
Elevation level - Direction
Alps, Round trip
Ascent
950 m
Descent
950 m
Distance
14 km
Duration
5 h
Duration back
5 h
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
June - October
Theme
With panoramic view
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 576

Distance

14 km

Duration

5 h

Ascent

950 m

Travel information: Giswil-Mörlialp

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