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Intro

Fabulous mountain scenery around mighty Mount Titlis, unique flora, the crystal-clear waters of Lakes Melch, Tannen, Engstlen and Trüb – this route linking Melchsee-Frutt and Engelberg is justly rated as one of the classic high-altitude hikes.

Description

The Melchsee-Frutt cable car station is the starting point for the so-called «four-lake hike». First you walk to Melchsee - the sparkling natural reservoir - where fishing is becoming quite popular. Take a peek inside the chapel, which is often booked for weddings. Then it's on to Lake Tannen, where you can grill your lunch and have a picnic on a covered patio.

It's just a bit farther up to Tannalp, and then it's back down again to the beautiful Engstlensee - which is full of fish. Beforehand, you can sample local cheese at the dairy. This area is a place of power - especially near the tall rock that stands next to a pine tree. The ascent to the Joch pass starts near the lake. You can have a snack at the mountain lodge before heading to the fourth lake - Trübsee - on the other side of the mountain.

You can discover Trübsee's beauty by rowboat, before heading on to Engelberg.

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
Melchsee-Frutt
Destination
Engelberg (Trübsee)
Ascent
620 m
Descent
760 m
Distance
15 km
Duration
4 h 35 min
Duration back
4 h 45 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
July - October
Theme
With panoramic view, Along Water, To an alp
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions

Map

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

Contact

Obwalden Tourismus
Bahnhofplatz 1
6060  Sarnen

Phone  +41 (0)41 666 50 40
info@obwalden-tourismus.ch
obwalden-tourismus.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 574

Distance

15 km

Duration

4 h 35 min

Ascent

620 m

Travel information: Engelberg

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    valid: 05.12.2025 - 06.04.2026

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    valid: 05.12.2025 - 06.04.2026

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    valid: 06.12.2025 - 31.12.2025

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    valid: 10.01.2026 - 14.02.2026

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