Canton of Obwalden

The very centre of Switzerland, the canton of Obwalden is pure and simple Swiss joy, a land of mountains and valleys, tradition and wholesome outdoor living. Stretching from the shores of Lake Lucerne, past Lake Sarnen and extending down to the tallest peak of Titlis, Obwalden is also known for its dense and verdant forests, plus plenty of protected areas of natural beauty including UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch in the east of the canton.

All the Swiss tropes ring true here from the wandering bell-chiming cows who provide the milk for fondue to the efficient trains that run to schedule. But time spent here uncovers the heart of central Switzerland – and of lives spent outdoor in alpine adventure and embedded in traditions still celebrated today in folk culture festivals deep in the forests. The first snow of the ski season calls the locals to the mountain and in January the Telemark World Cup at Melchsee-Frutt brings an international crowd.

Others are drawn to the world’s steepest cogwheel railway that trundles up Pilatus, near Lucerne bringing you to a glass-walled panoramic viewpoint. Here you can indulge Obwalden’s dragon fantasies with a walk along the ‘Dragon Path’ where mythology states that the fire-breathing creature lived, in between the folds of Mount Pilatus.

In the alpine town of Engelberg, Titlis mountain rises up to 3,238-metres, alongside resorts Brunni and Fürenalp, accessed by the Titlis Express gondola and Titlis Rotair, the world’s first revolving cable car. At the top, explore the frozen realm within the Titlis Glacier – a 5,000-year-old cave which allows you to be surrounded by glowing blue ice. You can also teeter along the highest suspension bridge in Europe on the Titlis cliff walk - if your vertigo will let you. For lovers of that pure Swiss style, Obwalden fills your boots.