Obwaldner Höhenweg, Stage 1/6

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.

A short approach from the Pilatus Kulm stop leads to the starting point. The route begins at its highest point: near the Oberhaupt at just over 2'060 m. It descends swiftly from the rocky heights via the Chilchsteine. The open slopes soon give way to forest; after just under six kilometres, the lowest point is reached.

The trail then continues through alternating pastures and forest, with several intervening ascents. Along the long traverse, the white-red-white waymarked sections require greater sure-footedness, while easier hiking trails in between provide more relaxed walking. After just over two-thirds of the route, the trail crosses the Schrotenegg and continues towards Bärnerstig.

Mountain trail predominates once again in the final third before the forest grows denser. At Bärnerstig, the final descent begins to the Stiftungskapelle Schwendi-Kaltbad. From there, it is only a few more minutes to Langis, where the hike ends near the bus stop after around 22 kilometres and just over seven hours.