Stalden: Vitaparcours, Playgrounds and Chapels

Stalden is a district of Sarnen in the canton of Obwalden. Nature and winter activities are also among the topics to consider when planning an excursion.

Exercise and Play in Stalden

The Stalden Vitaparcours is a 1.59-kilometre circular trail for jogging that starts at the Stalden sports ground. Depending on the exercise, its stations train flexibility, strength or endurance. They also include exercises on rings and parallel bars. The route therefore combines a set distance with several training focuses. The following public transport route is provided for reaching the sports ground: take the train to Sarnen, then the postbus to Stalden, Sportplatz.

The playgrounds in Stalden differ in their facilities. Moos Playground has a sand play area and a water play area, as well as opportunities for climbing and balancing. There are also slides and jumping activities. The playground by Stalden School has a trampoline, a spinning wheel and a climbing cube. It is about a two-minute walk from the Stalden (Sarnen), Post bus stop. Both playgrounds are accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.

Nature, Trails and Seasons

Lamahof Mirgg is a nearly six-hectare organic farm on the southern slope of Glaubenberg, with views of Lake Sarnen. It offers hikes with llamas, alpacas and donkeys. If you are planning such a hike, check booking availability before travelling.

In the Langis area of Glaubenberg, above Lake Sarnen, winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking and sledging. Conditions and operations vary from one winter to the next. The Glaubenberg moorland lies in the wider region around Stalden and is listed in the Federal Inventory of Mire Landscapes of Particular Beauty and National Importance.

There are eight nature fire pits between Schwendi-Kaltbad and the Upper Schlierental. From the Langis bus stop and car park, you can reach them on foot by following a roughly 1.5-kilometre uphill route towards Restaurant Schwendi-Kaltbad.

Churches and Chapels

The Schwendi parish church in Stalden is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary. Its nave was extended by one third in 1866. The church renovation and new construction in 1975 and 1976 are associated with Sarnen architect Paul Dillier. The church is considered a harmonious blend of old and new architecture. The cornerstone of the present old chapel in Stalden was laid on 8 May 1702.

The Wolfengel Chapel in Haldi is on the main Sarnen–Stalden–Glaubenberg road. It was first mentioned in 1647 and was built at its present location in 1880. Renovations followed in 1934, 1956, 1981 and 2022. The chapel contains an altarpiece depicting the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt.

The first chapel in the hamlet of Mattacher was built in 1870 and extended in 1883. The Mattacher Chapel was demolished in 1966 and rebuilt in a modern style. It houses a copy of the well-known statue of the Virgin Mary from the Stalden branch church. The Wolfengel and Mattacher chapels are considered places to pause and linger.

Obwalden Traditions and Regional Specialities

Passhöchi Beizli Glaubenberg serves Älpler coffee, z’Abig-Plättli and cheese specialities. Another centuries-old cultural tradition in Obwalden is the Älplerchilbi. After a bountiful summer on the alpine pastures, farmers gather to thank God for the gifts they have received and then celebrate with food, music and dancing. If you are planning to attend a future Älplerchilbi, check the dates.

Discover more destinations: Wilen.

Return to the overview of destinations: Sarnen.