Obwaldner Höhenweg

With the world’s steepest cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad, or the aerial cableway from Kriens, to the summit of Pilatus at, 2132 m altitude, the scenic and spectacular start of the Obwaldner Höhenweg (high-level trail). The views sweep far down to the Vierwaldstättersee and over countless Alpine peaks. You hike along peaceful paths, alternating between fir forests and Alpine meadows, into the midst of the Glaubenberg moorlands and the region of the Entlebuch biosphere reserve.

Cheese and sausages directly from the alp are a fine feast and fortify you for the scenic hike over the Glaubenbüelenpass to the panoramic world of Lungern-Schönbüel. Höchgumme and Wilerhorn, two superb summits to head for on the way to the Brünigpass, promise breathtaking views down to the turquoise Brienzersee. Passing picturesque alp chapels, the trail leads up to the geographical centre of Switzerland on the Älggialp. With the glaciated Titlis in view, you reach the lofty heights of the Melchsee-Frutt lake plateau. The route finally negotiates the east flank of the primal Melchtal, with magnificent views of a rugged landscape. With a little luck you may spot chamois or even an eagle on your way to Storegg, the historic pass into the Engelberg Valley.

The path leads up to the ridge through the Wagenleis (or Charren) wind gap and across the Arvigrat ridge to Ächerli pass. Arriving at the top of the Stanserhorn after the last ascent a panoramic view opens up of the entire Alpine mountain chain, the bottom of the Stans Valley, the Engelberg Valley and as many as ten lakes. The CabriO cable car takes the hikers back down to Stans.