Hint

Intro

The winter hiking trail from the car-free upland plateau of Melchsee-Frutt to Tannalp passes through glittering winter landscapes. There are two picturesque chapels and lakes along the wayside.

Description

The trail starts at Melchsee-Frutt mountain station and heads towards Distelboden. After leaving Frutt-Dörfli village, you come to a platform 40 metres above the frozen Melchsee lake which offers a superb view of the Obwalden mountain panorama. To the east this panorama is flanked by Mount Titlis, taking in the Wendenstock peaks across to Balmeregghorn, while to the west it stretches as far as Brünighaupt.

The trail continues along the frozen reservoir lake and turns left at the end. The path passes under the Distelboden–Bonistock aerial cableway and runs to the Tannendamm parallel to the cliffs. A fantastic mountain panorama continues to accompany the hiker along the leisurely walk towards Tannalp.The next section passes along the frozen Tannensee lake before descending to Tannalp, which is situated in a protected hollow. "Tannen" means "fir trees" in German – but there is not a single fir tree to be seen, because we are more than 1,900 meters above sea level.

The turning point of the tour is at Tannalp mountain restaurant. The chapel alongside the restaurant is often featured as a calendar motif. The return route follows the southern shore of Lake Tannen. Like Lake Melch, this lake is also popular with ice fishers. You hike via Distelboden, the starting-point for several cableways, past pretty Melchsee Chapel on its little peninsula. Be sure to stop and take photos here. Along the lakeshore, the trail leads back to Melchsee-Frutt.

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
Melchsee-Frutt
Ascent
240 m
Descent
240 m
Distance
9 km
Duration
3 h
Physical requirements
Medium
Theme
To an alp, Along Water, With panoramic view
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/winter-hiking/route...

Map

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

Contact

Sportbahnen Melchsee-Frutt
Sarnerstrasse 1
6064  Kerns

Phone  +41 (0)41 669 70 60
info@melchsee-frutt.ch
melchsee-frutt.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 540

Distance

9 km

Duration

3 h

Ascent

240 m

Travel information: Melchsee-Frutt

Current Offers

  • Sportbahnen Melchsee-Frutt, Melchsee-Frutt Children travel free in Melchsee-Frutt

    With this, the family destination with a wide availability of mountain transportation has another...
    Offer details
    Learn more about Children travel free in Melchsee-Frutt
  • Meiringen-Hasliberg Susten Postbus pass ride from Andermatt or Meiringen

    From Meiringen, the Postbus first travels along the Aare Gorge. It continues through a beautiful... from CHF 53.80
    Offer details


    valid: 28.06.2025 - 05.10.2025

    Learn more about Susten Postbus pass ride from Andermatt or Meiringen
  • Meiringen-Hasliberg Trendy concrete with lunch in the tipidorf

    You will experience a creative painting of concrete blanks as a team in the tipis. You'll get... from CHF 99.50
    Offer details


    valid: 30.05.2025 - 30.09.2025

    Learn more about Trendy concrete with lunch in the tipidorf
  • Meiringen-Hasliberg Ur-Swiss Challenge in the Tipi Village

    The competition is carried out like in the times of William Tell. Various old competition... from CHF 139
    Offer details


    valid: 30.05.2025 - 30.09.2025

    Learn more about Ur-Swiss Challenge in the Tipi Village
  • Grafenort Nidwaldner Höhenweg, 5 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Half board in Niederrickenbach Daily luggage... from CHF 939
    Offer details


    valid: 14.06.2025 - 28.09.2025

    Learn more about Nidwaldner Höhenweg, 5 days
  • Engelberg Trübsee Ticket from Engelberg

    Ride from Engelberg to Trübsee at 1764 m above sea level. The "Titlis Xpress" cable car... from CHF 38
    Offer details


    valid: 24.05.2025 - 31.03.2026

    Learn more about Trübsee Ticket from Engelberg
  • Engelberg Titlis Return Ticket incl. Ice Flyer

    First, take the cable car up to Titlis and then glide over the glacier with the Ice Flyer. You cross... from CHF 114
    Offer details


    valid: 24.05.2025 - 31.03.2026

    Learn more about Titlis Return Ticket incl. Ice Flyer
  • Engelberg Engelberg-Ristis Ticket from Engelberg in summer

    Take the cable car from Engelberg to Ristis one way or back in the summer half year. A total of 500... from CHF 34
    Offer details


    valid: 24.05.2025 - 02.11.2025

    Learn more about Engelberg-Ristis Ticket from Engelberg in summer
  • Engelberg Engelberg Brunni paragliding tandem

    Enjoy paragliding in tandem over the sunny side of Engelberg. You discover the beautiful landscape... from CHF 200
    Offer details


    valid: 24.05.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Engelberg Brunni paragliding tandem
  • Sarnen "Catch the Agent" GPS Game in Sarnen for Team Events

    This interactive spy game takes place right in the city of Sarnen. You’ll hunt down opposing teams... from CHF 10
    Offer details


    valid: 28.05.2025 - 31.03.2026

    Learn more about "Catch the Agent" GPS Game in Sarnen for Team Events