Central Switzerland
Melchsee-Frutt route
On Postbus route 343, you can enjoy a journey from Sarnen to the Stöckalp through Kerns and the wild, romantic Melch Valley. At Melchsee-Frutt, you will discover a picturesque high valley located at 1,920 meters above sea level. The region is a family-friendly area for excursions in both summer and winter and is situated by the deep-blue Lake Melch.
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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. There’s so much to discover on the journey from Sarnen to the Stöckalp! Numerous leisure activities, historic buildings and pilgrimage churches, and an eventful sports area await you at Melchsee-Frutt. Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, an athlete or a leisure seeker, there’s something for everyone.
Highlights
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.
Travelita excursion report
Prominent Swiss travel blogger Travelita has created the Melchsee-Frutt–Bonistock–Chringen–Melchsee-Frutt circular hike for us. Take a look at her excursion report and hiking suggestions for inspiration.
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.
History
In 1924, the first Postbuses travelled 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 route was extended to Stöckalp (valley station of the Stöckalp-Melchsee-Frutt cable car) and passenger numbers rose steadily on Postbus route 343.
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