Canton of Obwalden

Obwalden encompasses seven municipalities across 491 square kilometers of terrain, ranging from Lake Lucerne shores to alpine peaks reaching 3,238 meters.

The territory joined the Swiss Confederation in 1291 as one of the founding members, originally forming part of the historical Unterwalden region.

German serves as the primary language for 92 percent of residents, while Roman Catholic traditions shape the religious practices of the population.

The canton maintains direct connections to neighboring regions through mountain passes and railways, with Sarnen functioning as the administrative center.

The municipality of Engelberg exists as a separate territorial exclave of Obwalden, completely surrounded by the canton of Nidwald.

Location: Switzerland

Inception: 1291

Capital city: Sarnen

Elevation above the sea: 473 m

Part of: Central Switzerland, Unterwalden, Waldstätte

Shares border with: Canton of Nidwalden, Canton of Lucerne, Canton of Uri, Bern, Canton of Schwyz

Website: http://ow.ch

GPS coordinates: 46.86667,8.03333

Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:50