Obwaldner Höhenweg

From Storeggpass on the border between Obwalden and Nidwalden, you walk around Storegghorn or Lachenhörnli. The narrow path, part of which is secured by chains and ladders, leads to Lachengrätli. The views ranging from Mt. Titlis to Gross Spannort and the Walenstöcke are fantastic. A zigzagging trail through the forest takes you to Schluchigrat in about an hour. With the 4000-meter peaks of the Bernese Oberland in sight, the next half hour of the hike is pure joy. Then comes a key section of this leg: the trail at the somewhat exposed Wagenleis (Charren) wind gap is secured by ropes. It continues downhill, back up again to Schluchberg and on to Gräfimattstand, followed by the magnificent ridge trail across the Gräfimattnollen to the Arvigrat. The views range from Mt. Pilatus to the Rigi and all the way to the Mittelland region.

By now you have been hiking for about three hours. The trail continues steeply downhill to the Ächerli pass. This is where you have the option to take a short detour to the Holzwang chapel with beautiful views of Lake Sarnen and the Pilatus range. Then it’s time for the final ascent. The path climbs gently at first, but it continues to get steeper. Countless steps will take your breath away until you arrive on the path leading around Stanserhorn. The last part of it is easy and offers amazing views.

The end of the Obwaldner Höhenweg is nothing short of spectacular: ten lakes are visible from Stanserhorn and 100 km of the Alpine mountain range. The highest point of the local mountain of Stans (1898 m) is also considered to be a portal of energy. The ride back to the valley is part of the experience. The CabriO cable car with its roofless upper deck takes you to the half-way station under the open sky. From there, the funicular offers a nostalgic journey across lush meadows back to Stans.