Stalden (Sarnen) is a district of Sarnen in the canton of Obwalden. There are several ways to explore the area: chapels and church history, exercise on the Vitaparcours fitness trail, or nature activities in the surrounding region. You can choose specific places and activities according to your interests without having to combine them into a set itinerary.
Chapels and church history
The Wolfengel Chapel in Haldi is located on the main road from Sarnen to Stalden and Glaubenberg. It is first mentioned in 1647; it was built at its present location in 1880 and renovated in 1934, 1956, 1981 and 2022. Inside is an altarpiece depicting the Holy Family's flight to Egypt. The dates spanning several centuries give the chapel a long history, while the altarpiece offers a glimpse of its interior.
The parish church of Schwendi is also dedicated to Mary Immaculate. Its nave was extended by a third in 1866. The 1975–76 renovation and new construction are associated with the Sarnen architect Paul Dillier. The church is considered a harmonious blend of old and new architecture. The building thus reflects both an earlier alteration to the nave and a later construction phase.
The history of the Mattacher Chapel is different: the first chapel in the hamlet of Mattacher was built in 1870 and extended in 1883. It was demolished in 1966 and rebuilt in a modern style. The present-day chapel houses a copy of the well-known statue of the Virgin Mary from the branch church in Stalden. Together with the two churches in Schwendi and the Wolfengel Chapel, it offers another distinct perspective on the area's religious architectural history.
Vitaparcours fitness trail and playgrounds
The Stalden Vitaparcours is a 1.59-kilometre circular jogging route that starts at the Stalden sports field. Depending on the station, its exercises train flexibility, strength or endurance; they also include exercises on rings and parallel bars. If you're interested in a short circuit, this offers a clearly defined way to exercise rather than an extensive hiking programme. You can reach the trail by taking the train to Sarnen and then the PostBus to Stalden, Sportplatz.
There are two different playgrounds for play breaks. Moos Stalden Playground offers opportunities for climbing, sliding, jumping and balancing. It also has a sand play area and a water play area. The playground is accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs. At the school in Stalden, there is a trampoline, a rotating wheel and a climbing cube. This playground is also accessible to pushchairs and wheelchairs, and is about a two-minute walk from the Stalden (Sarnen), Post bus stop. The approximate walking time and different play equipment can help you choose between the two options.
Nature and activities in the surrounding region
On the southern slope of Glaubenberg, the nearly six-hectare Lamahof Mirgg organic farm overlooks Lake Sarnen. The farm offers hikes with llamas, alpacas and donkeys. If you'd like to plan this activity, check booking availability before you travel. The combination of farming and guided animal hikes sets this experience apart from the shorter exercise circuits in the area.
In winter, the Langis area on Glaubenberg above Lake Sarnen offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and sledging. Conditions and operations can vary from one winter to another, so check the latest conditions if you plan to take part in any of these activities. The Glaubenberg moorland area is also in the wider region around Stalden. It is listed in the Federal Inventory of Moor Landscapes of Particular Beauty and National Importance.
There are eight natural fire pits near Schwendi-Kaltbad and Langis, between Schwendi-Kaltbad and the Upper Schlierental valley. From the Langis bus stop and car park, you can reach them on foot by following a climb of about 1.5 kilometres towards the Schwendi-Kaltbad restaurant. This detail makes the walk itself part of your planning. Another route for reference is the Entlebuch Passes Route, which climbs from Sarnen via Stalden to Glaubenberg; it is distinct from the individual playground and exercise options.
There are also specific local options for a meal: Passhöchi Beizli Glaubenberg serves Alpine herdsman's coffee, evening platters and cheese specialities. So, alongside exercise and architectural history, food can also be part of your plans, without having to follow a set itinerary during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Wilen
For the main travel overview: Sarnen.
