The hiking season is slowly coming to the end, but there are still couple of weeks left before the snow cover the hiking trails. The official summer season in Melchsee-Frutt is from 11th June till 23rd October. We did our hike in the beginning of July and the weather was just amazing.

This popular alpine resort lies in the centre of Switzerland in Kanton Obwalden and offers many hiking trails for families but also for adults. It's important to check before the journey which trail you want to hike and follow the path.

By car it's around 1,5 hour drive from Basel to Stöckalp. The huge parking place is directly next to the cable car station and in summer season is the parking free of charge (in winter costs 5 CHF per 24 hours). Simply put in navigation this adress: Fruttstrasse 53, 6067 Melchtal.

There are 3 options how to get to Melchsee-Frutt (1920 meters):
- by cable car, which takes around 10 minutes, make sure to note the opening hours
(8:25 - 17:20 - may vary),
- by car, however only at even hours is allowed to drive up (for example from 10:00 - 10:40) and to drive down to Stockalp odd hours (11:00 - 11:40),
- by foot or by bike, which is over 7km long journey.

We got to the top with cable car, which I believe is the easiest and the most popular way. The ride is quite pleasant with beautiful view over the area. Once on the top choose your trail and follow the path. Pass the children playgroung and 4* HOTEL FRUTT MOUNTAIN RESORT (one of the best wellness hotel in Switzerland). For sure go along the lake as the scenery over Melchsee is just incredible. Some people were even stand up paddling, swimming, fishing (license required) or just chilling around the fireplace (couple designeted areas). There are another 2 lakes in the area: Blausee and Tannensee, you can walk along but depends which route you take.

Our goal was to hike to Balmereggerhorn, which is 2255 meters above the see. We were so amazed with the Melchsee we forgot to turn right and walked all the way to the berg restaurant Erzegg, where we finally started to walk up. Not sure if it was the official trail (even though we meet couple of hikers), but in about an hour we were on the top of Erzegg (2150meters) and then another 10 minutes to our goal, Balmeregghorn. We were rewarded with magnificent panoramic view. WAU! It doesn’t matter where you look, the view is absolutely stunning from every side. On the top we made a break with a small picnic and simply enjoyed our view.

The hike down is steep, even though quite easy and took about 40 minutes. Before heading back to the cable car we stopped for our another reward and it was Rösti in restaurant Erzegg (yummy, I think Rösti is one of reasons why I love hiking in Switzerland). Another stop before taking a cable car was a panoramic lift (this is a must and great spot for the photo, so make sure you plan it either in the beginning or end of your journey, when the sun is in the right position).

I really enjoyed this hike and would happily comeback to explore another trails, like the one all the way to Tannensee or take another cable car to Bonistock (2160 meters). The area around Melchsee is super family friendly and organize many activities for children, like exploring the Fruttli path, the Fruttli train, playgrounds, mascot Fruttli is walking around to take a photo with the little ones and many more. The children under 15 years old don't pay for cable car or the Fruttli train during the summer seasons. On the other hand solotravelers or couples will also find their fun.

TIP! When in area, stop for a coffee in HOTEL PAXMONTANA, which is about 20 minutes drive from Stöckalp, and lies just next to Flüeli-Ranft, which is popular spot due to the St. Niklaus von Flüe, who is a patron of Switzerland. If you have some energy left, explore a spiritual hike to the St. Niklaus church and learn more about the Swiss history. And again the view is amazing!

Some tips before the journey:
1. Take a sunscreen, lots of water, cap and cover your shoulder (the sun is very strong)
2. Choose your hiking trail before the journey
3. Visit on 24th September, when Fest Frutt Chilbi take place
4. Have a lunch in one of many restaurants in Melchsee
5. Book a weekend getaway in Hotel Frutt Mouintain Resort
6. Stop at Hotel Paxmontana
7. Check the weather (the snow may appear soon in the area)
8. Take a panoramic lift for an incredible view

The official website:
Melchsee-Frutt
Hotel in Melchsee-Frutt:
Hotel Frutt Mountain Resort
Hidden gem in the area:
Hotel Paxmontana

Enjoy your hike and let me know, which trail did you take. 

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