Obwaldner Höhenweg
Overview
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Distance 22 km
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Duration 7 h 10 min
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Ascent 1050 m
Intro
Up to Pilatus with the world's steepest cogwheel railway. Sensational panorama of countless Alpine summits; historic hotel. Lovely moorland landscapes on the way through the Schlierental and across the Schlierengrat in the region of the Entlebuch biosphere reserve.
Description
The world’s steepest cogwheel railway with a maximum gradient of 48% travels from Alpnachstad to the summit of Mt. Pilatus. Lucerne’s very own mountain was once known as a source of treacherous storms and floods as well as the home of dragons and other monsters. It is said that the mountain took its name from Pontius Pilate, the governor of a Roman province at the time of Jesus Christ. Legend has it that he was buried in the lake at the mountain top. The route starts at Pilatus Kulm. It heads down to the valley and offers a magnificent view across the lakes of Central Switzerland, the city of Lucerne and countless mountain peaks. Within about a two-hour walk, it descends approximately 1000 meters in altitude, first on a steep path followed by a gravel road and surrounded by craggy mountain cliffs and blossoming meadows.
After Lütholdsmatt the route goes gently uphill again. A broad gravel road leads to Wängen where it briefly changes to a path. Taking a look behind you now and then, toward the start of today’s tour and to Stanserhorn Mountain on the other side, is well worth it. After hiking more than four hours, an attractive two-hour section starts at Chrüzliegg and continues to Schlierengrat, going gently up and down along the white-red-white trail markers. Through blueberry bushes, past gnarled pines and spruce, some of which have died off, you reach Bärnerstig, an old crossing to the Entlebuch region.
Next you pass through a fantastic moorland area leading to Schwendi Kaltbad, once a recognized health resort with a sanatorium. It was known for the healing power of its mud and sulphur baths. In the summer, Alpine church services and weddings are held in the small chapel. It doesn’t take long to get to Langis from here, the end of this lovely, but sometimes strenuous hike. Langis is located above Lake Sarnen. It is popular with cross-country skiers as well as winter and snowshoe hikers. In the summer, it is an insider tip among nature enthusiasts because of the beautiful protected moor landscape with birches, pine trees and mountain meadows.
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
| Start location |
Alpnachstad (Pilatus)
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Langis
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| Elevation level - Direction |
Alps, One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
1700 m
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| Ascent |
1050 m
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| Descent |
1650 m
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| Distance |
22 km
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| Duration |
7 h 10 min
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| Duration back |
7 h 50 min
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Season |
May - October
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| Theme |
With panoramic view, To an alp, Through a nature conservation area
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r... |
Quick Facts
Route number
