Älggialp – Geographical Center of Switzerland
Overview
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Hint
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Intro
Stand on the geographical centre of Switzerland and look over alpine meadows to the peaks of central Switzerland. On the Älggialp you hike through unspoilt mountain landscape and reach the idyllic Seefeldsee.
The Älggialp at a glance
The Älggialp is located at 1645 meters in the Kleiner Melchtal, in central Switzerland. This is the geographical centre of Switzerland, calculated in 1988, marked by a triangulation pyramid and a stone wall in the shape of a land. All around, alpine meadows, forests and a wreath of peaks stretch to the Brünig head.
What to experience
Explore the cairn trail (30 minutes)
Walk on the 1.5-kilometer adventure trail around the centre of Switzerland. At 15 stations you will learn interesting facts about the alp, its history and the nature of the region. The path leads over alpine meadows with a view of the surrounding mountains and is also suitable for families with children.
- Good to know: The path starts directly at the Älggialp mountain inn.
- Tip: On the way, build a stone manddli, a small tower made of stones, as a souvenir.
Circular hike to Lake Seefeld (3–3.5 hours)
Hike from the centre of Switzerland through forests and over alpine meadows to the turquoise blue Seefeldsee. The mountain lake at 1800 metres is located on a plateau in front of an imposing rock face. The 11-kilometre circular hike leads through the Sachsler Seefeld nature reserve and back to Älggialp.
- Good to know: On this trail, surefootedness and hiking boots are recommended.
- Tip: From mid-June to October you can fish in Lake Seefeld (buy a day permit on site).
Mountain hike from Melchsee-Frutt (4–5 hours)
Take the gondola lift to Melchsee-Frutt and hike over the Abgschütz down to Älggialp. The 14.5-kilometre tour leads over mountain meadows and ridges with a view of Melchsee, Tannensee and the Bernese Alps. The descent to Stöckalp rounds off the challenging hike.
- Good to know: Challenging mountain hike with 700 meters of descent.
- Tip: Stay overnight at the Älggialp mountain inn and spread the tour over two days.
General information
| Season |
June - October
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|---|---|
| Accessibility |
Not accessible
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Discover the surroundings
Address
Obwalden Tourismus OT AG
Bahnhofplatz 1
6060
Sarnen
Switzerland
Phone
+41 (0)41 666 50 40
Fax +41 (0)41 666 50 45
info@obwalden-tourismus.ch
obwalden-tourismus.ch
Plan your route