Vier Seen Bike
Overview
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Distance 24 km
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Ascent 440 m
Intro
The mountain landscape around the mighty Titlis, the unique flora, and the crystal-clear waters of Lakes Melch, Tannen, Engstlen and Trüb – this route between Melchsee-Frutt and Engelberg is a unique experience. There is another highlight after the Joch Pass: the flowing trail down to Lake Trüb.
Description
The starting point for the Four Lakes bike route is the Melchsee-Frutt mountain station. The car-free resort is located on a high plateau on idyllic Lake Melch, which can be reached via the asphalt mountain road. The sparkling natural reservoir is popular with anglers. On the northeast bank is the small, photogenic Melchsee Chapel. The next stop is Lake Tannen, where it changes to gravel underfoot. You can take a pleasant break here on covered seating next to the fire pit. However, it is not far from here to the Tannalp with its mountain restaurant of the same name. The plateau is one of the highest alpine pastures in Obwalden.
Shortly after this, the route crosses the cantonal border with Bern. The path becomes narrower and leads down to Engstlenalp. On a short section at the “Geisstritt” you have to push the bike as riding is not permitted. The area around Lake Engstlen, which is full of fish, is considered to be a special place full of energy. This is located directly next to the strikingly high cliffs and, unmistakeably, close to a large fir tree. The compass also goes crazy here. There are catering options and an alpine cheese dairy on Engstlenalp. From the lake, the Engstlen chairlift takes you up to the Joch Pass in comfort. It marks the border between the cantons of Bern and Nidwalden and is also the highest point on the route.
Now comes a highlight of the tour: descent on the Joch Pass trail. Before tackling this, it is worth stopping at the Joch Pass mountain restaurant. There is a glorious view back to the lakes, which are increasingly in the distance. If the weather permits, the nearby Titlis, the highest mountain in the region, is visible. In the other direction, you can see the Bernese Alps. Concentration is required after the break: the flowing Joch Pass trail winds down the mountain via countless bends and undulations. It is designed in such a way that it is fun for both beginners and professionals. After an elevation difference of 440 metres, the descent ends at the fourth and final mountain lake of the tour, Lake Trüb. It is well developed and popular with families, and you might enjoy exploring it on a rowing boat. From there, an alpine road leads down to Untertrübsee Lake and via Gerschnialp back to the canton of Obwalden. On the way, you pass restaurants as well as the two alpine cheese dairies at Untertrübsee and Gerschnialp. The tour leads down to the destination, the monastery village of Engelberg, via the Gerschni trail. The Benedictine monastery there, combined with hotels from the Belle Epoque and the rustic Swiss panache, gives the place a special character.
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 |
Melchsee-Frutt
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Engelberg
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| Ascent |
440 m
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| Descent |
1650 m
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| Distance |
24 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
8 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
10 km
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| Singletrail (part of natural surface) |
6 km
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| Technical requirements |
Difficult
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| Physical requirements |
Easy
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| Signalization |
Signalisation in one direction
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Quick Facts
Route number
