Circular Hike around Lake Sarnen

A circuit of the lake with two distinct faces: flat along the eastern shore, then elevated above the western shore through forest and across mountain streams. Added highlights include the ford across the Steinibach and views towards the Wetterhorn group.

From Sarnen railway station, the circular hike initially leads to the lake and then southwards along the eastern shore. The water remains close by as far as Sachseln, Ewil and Seefeld, with open shoreline, meadows and settlements alternating along the way. At the former customs house in Sachseln and along the embankment path, the broad hiking trail continues on its level course.

At the southern end of the lake near Giswil, the route changes character. Instead of running directly beside the water, it now follows higher ground above the western shore, climbs through Forstwald and crosses several mountain streams. The Steinibach is crossed at a ford. Higher up, the trail reaches its highest point at around 750 m; above Giswil, views open up towards the Wetterhorn group.

The route then continues through forest and across open slopes towards Wilen. On the descent, the Baroque parish church of Sarnen comes into view before the route returns to the valley floor. Through Sarnen, it passes the medieval Hexenturm, which now serves as an archive and is not open to the public. After just over five and a half hours and around 21 km, the circuit ends back at Sarnen railway station.