Sarnen Lake
Obwalden
Sarnen Lake, locally known as Sarnersee, is a picturesque lake located in the Swiss canton of Obwalden. It covers an area of approximately 7.5 square kilometers and reaches a maximum depth of 51 meters. The lake stretches about 5.7 kilometers in length and up to 1.6 kilometers in width. It lies in a broad valley sculpted by glaciers, nestled between the Jänzi and Arnigrat mountain ranges. The lake is fed by several tributaries, including the Kleine Melchaa and Grosse Melchaa rivers, and drains via the Sarner Aa river into Lake Lucerne. The municipalities of Sarnen and Sachseln border its shores, with the Brünig railway line running along its eastern side. The lake is notable for its ecological richness, hosting 20 fish species including the historically documented Egli and Felchen, and rare species such as the endangered Nase fish. Sarnen Lake has cultural significance as well, having been immortalized in an 1842 watercolor painting by J. M. W. Turner titled "The Sarner See, Evening." The lake's shores are mostly flat, providing accessible natural scenery, with steeper banks at the southern and northwestern edges. Its tranquil waters and surrounding alpine landscape make it a favored destination for nature lovers and anglers alike.
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Tip: The best time to visit Sarnen Lake is during late spring to early autumn when the weather is mild and the natural surroundings are vibrant. Visitors interested in fishing should be aware of local regulations and the historical significance of fish species in the lake. The Brünig railway line provides convenient access along the eastern shore, making it easy to explore the area by train. While no specific ticketing is required to enjoy the lake, checking local weather and water conditions is advisable. For those planning to hike or bike around the lake, early morning or late afternoon visits offer the most serene experience with fewer crowds.
Interesting facts
- •Sarnen Lake was painted by renowned artist J. M. W. Turner in 1842 in his watercolor "The Sarner See, Evening."
- •The lake hosts 20 fish species, including the endangered Nase, which typically inhabits flowing waters.
- •Periodic freezing of the lake occurred as recently as 1981, an uncommon event in modern times.
- •A major flood relief tunnel project began in 2018 to manage the lake's water levels and protect nearby communities.
History
After the last Ice Age, Sarnen Lake was part of the larger Lake Lucerne, specifically the Alpnacher Bucht area.
Over time, sediment from rivers such as the Grosse Schliere and Kleine Schliere formed alluvial fans, leading to the lake's separation and elevation above Lake Lucerne by about 35 meters.
Historically, before the opening of the Brünig road in 1861, transportation of goods and people between the lake's southern and northern shores was conducted by flat-bottomed boats known as Nauen.
The lake has experienced periodic freezing events, the last significant ones occurring between 1947 and 1981.
Recent decades have seen infrastructural projects aimed at flood control, including the construction of an underground relief tunnel to protect the nearby village of Sarnen from high water events, with completion planned for 2026.
