The Hohe BrĂĽcke on the road from FlĂĽeli to Kerns is a covered wooden bridge, 100 metres above the Melchaa, spanning the river for 30 metres. It is considered the highest bridge of its kind in Europe. Such striking structures, pilgrimage history and hikes shape a stay in Sachseln, with a range of options to choose from depending on the time available and your interests.
Hikes between the village and a viewpoint
Those wishing to hike from Sachseln to Glotersegg follow a route via Steinen and Churigen through the wild valley of the Dorfbach. The walk takes about one and a quarter to one and a half hours. Above the village at Glotersegg is the geographical centre of the canton of Obwalden. It can be reached on foot, by bicycle and by car. The viewpoint at Glotersegg offers views over Sachseln, Lake Sarnen and the Sarneraa Valley as far as Mount Pilatus.
Another, shorter time estimate applies to the summit hike to Stuckli Chriiz above Sachseln: the 3.63-kilometre hike is rated moderate and takes about one hour and 35 minutes. The summit offers panoramic views over the Sarneraa Valley. The walking time is close to that of the route to Glotersegg, but the destination and route are different. When there is snow in winter, Glotersstrasse is suitable for sledging.
The Sachseln–Flüeli-Ranft–Sachseln circular hike takes more time. The 10.23-kilometre loop starts and ends at Sachseln railway station; the stated walking time is about three hours and seven minutes. The circular route around Lake Sarnen can also be started in Sachseln. There are several types of route to choose from: a hike to a specific destination, a summit hike or a longer loop.
Pilgrimage history and buildings
Sachseln and Flüeli-Ranft have been important stops on the Swiss Way of St James since the late Middle Ages and are associated with the home of Niklaus von Flüe. Sachseln’s old parish church was first mentioned in a document in 1234. The village’s parish and pilgrimage church, visible from far away, was built between 1672 and 1684; since 1679, it has housed the tomb of Brother Klaus. His first burial place is in the tomb chapel built onto the old church tower in Sachseln. The tombstones dating from 1487 and 1518 have been preserved.
The Brother Klaus Museum tells the story of the life and work of Niklaus von FlĂĽe and his wife, Dorothee Wyss, in its permanent exhibition. It is housed in a patrician house dating from 1784, surrounded by an extensive Baroque garden. In FlĂĽeli, which belongs to the municipality of Sachseln, the birthplace of Brother Klaus also stands on the von FlĂĽe family estate. The house acquired its present appearance during a comprehensive restoration in 1925; its furnishings recall late medieval domestic culture.
An audio walk also follows the pilgrimage route: “Raus aus dem Haus” leads from Sachseln to Flüeli. Hikers can use their smartphones to learn more about sights along the route. As the digital guide’s availability may change, it is advisable to check before planning your visit.
By the lake and on the move
The Sumsi steam train has been operating at the lakeside children’s playground in Sachseln since May 2015. Its locomotive has a real steam boiler and is fuelled with hard coal. It runs on weekends from April to October in dry weather; check the specific operating days before your visit.
Sachseln lido is about a ten-minute walk from Sachseln railway station. Facilities include a beach volleyball court, a ping-pong table, a bathing island, a sandpit for toddlers, and a barbecue area with a picnic area. As facilities may change, it is worth checking which amenities are currently available before your visit.
Sachseln lies on the scenic tourist route from Lucerne via the BrĂĽnig Pass to Interlaken and is easy to reach by train and car. Check connections for your chosen travel date. For planning your day, the different walking times are useful: the hike to Glotersegg and the tour to Stuckli Chriiz each take about an hour and a half, while the loop via FlĂĽeli-Ranft requires considerably more time.
Discover more destinations: FlĂĽeli-Ranft, Lungern, Kerns, Giswil, Alpnach, Engelberg, Sarnen, Melchsee-Frutt.
For the main travel overview: Obwalden.
