Situated on the route over the Brünig Pass, which links Central Switzerland to the Bernese Oberland, Lake Lungern is a veritable jewel set in a spectacular mountain landscape.

Crossed by the Sarner Aa river, which flows downstream into Lake Sarnen and then into Lake Lucerne, it was once larger, covering part of the valley. Between 1790 and 1836, its level was lowered by 18 metres thanks to a drainage tunnel, which made it possible to gain 170 hectares of arable land.

Unfortunately, the torrents that flow into it dug out the new banks and washed away some of the new arable land. The current level, close to the old one, was restored following the construction of a power station in 1921.

Please note: when you arrive from Sarnen, the Brünig road runs alongside the lake, but just over 1km further on, there is a tunnel that crosses the mountain. Don't take it, just keep following the road along the lake so you don't miss any of the views!

Useful links

Swiss Canton of Obwalden (iSwitzerland Guide) - Wikipedia