Obwaldner Höhenweg, Stage 4/6

High above the Lungernsee lake, passing quaint alp chapels, the path climbs to Älggialp and the geographical centre of Switzerland. Over a rock barrier to the lake plateau of Melchsee-Frutt at a lofty altitude, goal of rest and recreation seekers in summer and winter.

The hike begins on the Brünig Pass at the Brünig-Hasliberg stop. A hiking trail initially leads through forest and across open pastures. It soon becomes a mountain trail, climbing steeply between grassy slopes and rocky sections deep into the Obwalden mountains. The 24 kilometres and around 1,900 metres of ascent demand stamina.

At Älggi, the terrain briefly becomes gentler. The trail then climbs to Seefeldsee in the Sachsler Seefeld nature reserve. Above the lake, the mountain trail continues across Chringengrat. Shortly afterwards, near Abgschütz, the route reaches its highest point at around 2,230 m.

The long final section rewards with a succession of lakes. After Blausee, the larger, artificially dammed Melchsee comes into view. The trail follows its shore to Melchsee-Frutt. After just under nine hours, the hike ends near the Melchsee-Frutt, Dörfli stop.