Anniversary: Postbuses have been travelling to the Melch Valley for 100 years

100 years ago, on 1 June 1924, Postbus services were launched from Sarnen to the Melch Valley. A PUCH-brand carriage with six seats was used. During the summer, two Postbus services ran daily. The rest of the year, a Postbus mail service ran daily with a two-man coach (coach with two horses) from Sarnen to the Melch Valley. Depending on the snow conditions, the coach was replaced by a sledge. This was mainly due to technical reasons, as the first vehicles were barely operational on the wintry roads.

A few years later, the Stöckalp–Melchsee Frutt cable car began operations, opening up Frutt in winter as well and allowing it to become what it is today: an excursion and holiday destination. After overcoming several difficulties and some resistance from locals, the Postbus route was extended to the Stöckalp.

While 2,379 passengers were transported in 1924, this figure was already 142,000 in 1973, and in 2023 a remarkable 353,000 passengers were transported on PostBus route 343.

On Postbus route 343Target not accessible, you can enjoy a journey from Sarnen to the Stöckalp through Kerns and the wild, romantic Melch Valley. From here, a cable car (suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs) leads up to the invitingly green high valley of Melchsee-Frutt. 

Sarnen

Sarnen, the cantonal capital of Obwalden, has a lot to tell thanks to its cultural and historical legacy. Surrounded by a fascinating mountain landscape and the beautiful Lake SarnenTarget not accessible, Sarnen is also an ideal holiday destination. Langis, the sunny spot above Sarnen, is an insider tip and well worth a visit in both summer and winter.

Melch Valley

The Melch Valley is a village in the canton of Obwalden amidst a magnificent mountain landscape. The Melch Valley, sandwiched between Lakes Lucerne and Sarnen, extends in a southerly direction from the town of Kerns. It ends at the Stöckalp, at the farthest end of the valley. From here, a cable car (suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs) leads up to the invitingly green high valley of Melchsee-Frutt.

Melchsee-Frutt as your starting point for hikes

Its location between the Bernese Oberland holiday destination of Hasliberg and the Central Swiss holiday resort of Engelberg makes Melchsee-Frutt a popular hiking area. If you hikeTarget not accessible in the summer, you’ll discover magnificent viewing points, deep-blue mountain lakes and unique plant life on Melchsee-Frutt.

Fruttli learning and adventure trail

A great attraction for guests of all ages is the Fruttli trailTarget not accessible, which is also suitable for pushchairs. There are ten stations around Lake Melch that promote knowledge about the marmot in a fun way. Climbing, jumping or navigating a maze: you can act (almost) like a real marmot. On the circular trail, you can rest and enjoy a barbecue at several designated areas with wood supplies and seating facilities, while telescopes allow you to observe the animals.

Frutt train on Melchsee-Frutt

In the summer, you can take the popular scenic train to ride conveniently from Melchsee-Frutt to Tannalp, passing Lake Melch and Lake Tannen.

(Ice) fishing in three mountain lakes

The Melchsee-Frutt fisheryTarget not accessible welcomes you to (ice) fishTarget not accessible in one of the three mountain lakes. Enjoy the tranquillity of nature on the high plateau. Put your fishing skills to the test and cast your bait.

The longest sledge run in Central Switzerland

The eight-kilometre sledge run from Melchsee-Frutt to the Stöckalp is a fantastic experience for visitors of all ages. Enjoy a fast-paced sledge ride with an altitude difference of almost 1,000 metres during the day or when there’s a full moon.