Hike /Schweiz Mobil
Wichelsee-Weg
SarnenAlpnach Dorf
- Distance
- 7.0 km
- Duration
- 1:45 h
- Ascent
- 30 m
- Descent
- 50 m
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Fitness
- Easy
- Route type
- One way
01/ Overview
The route
The section from Sarnen to Alpnach is particularly attractive thanks to its enchanting nature reserve on the Wichelsee lake. Simply a must-see, from the wide variety of waterfowl and plants to the massive rock faces on the other side of the lake.
The hike begins at the Sarnen stop, in the heart of the village. At around 470 m, this is already the highest point on the almost entirely flat route. Beyond the first houses, the surroundings open out into meadows and cultivated land. The broad hiking trail heads north-east without any significant climbs, gradually leaving Sarnen behind.
After a little over an hour, the forest draws closer. The Kolping Wichelsee barbecue site offers an opportunity for a break, and shortly afterwards the route reaches Wichelsee. The narrow lake, almost two kilometres long, stretches between wooded shores, with a rock face on its south-eastern side. A tranquil contrast to the open meadows along the first section of the route.
From the lake, the route continues on a gentle descent. On the final section, it leaves the marked hiking trail network and approaches the houses once more. After around seven kilometres and just under two hours, the hike ends in Alpnach Dorf, directly beside the railway station.
02/ Along the route
What's along the way
Where the route climbs and where it descends. Hover the profile to find the spot on the map.
03/ Conditions
Current conditions
What to know before you set off. Closures and snow are re-checked every day.
Wichselsee-Weg Bitzighofen bis Bahnhofstrasse Kägiswil
From 27 Jul 2026 – Until 26 Jul 2027
Hochwasserschutz-Arbeiten an der Sarneraa. Sperrung und Umleitung vom 18.08.2025 bis Juli 2027.
Wichelsee-Weg ab Schwanderstrasse bis Bitzighofen
From 10 Aug 2026 – Until 31 Dec 2026
Infolge Hochwasserschutz-Arbeiten an der Sarneraa ist der Wegabschnitt von der Schwanderstrasse bis Bitzighofen und umgekehrt vom 10. August 2026 bis Ende Dezember 2026 gesperrt. Eine Umleitung ist signalisiert.
Wichelsee bis Eichibrücke III neu
From 17 Aug 2026 – Until 31 Mar 2027
Wegen der Hochwasserschutzmassnahmen an der Sarneraa bleiben die Wanderwege zwischen dem Nordende des Wichelsees und der Eichibrücke bis ca. Dezember 2027 gesperrt. Umleitungen sind signalisiert.
How we check: Every night we match the route against the official closures and detours from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Any reported closure that touches the route shows up here.
How we check: We look up a live public transport connection from your starting point to the stop closest to the trailhead. If it ends further away, the nearest stop may be a cable car or bus that isn't running right now.
How we check: Snow depth estimated daily at the lowest and the highest point of the route. Estimates: check the situation on site.
04/ Getting there
Getting there
From your door to the trailhead and home again, by train and bus or by car. Computed live from the timetable.
Or from
Outbound
Return
05/ Weather
Weather on the way
Forecast for the lowest and the highest point of the route.
Weather
06/ Trail & landscape
Trail & landscape
Which paths you walk on and the landscape they lead through.
07/ Snow
Snow on the route
Snow depths, new snow and forecast. Estimates: check the situation on site before you set off.
Snow Info
Comparative snow depth is only available from November 1 to June 30.
08/ Export
Take the route with you
Load the track onto your GPS device, print a route sheet for the trail or send the route to your hiking group.
Share
Send the link to friends or your hiking group.
Export GPX File
For hiking apps, GPS watches and navigation devices.
Print Route Sheet
A4 with map, elevation profile, waypoints and emergency numbers.
