Wichelsee, reservoir
Wichelsee is a reservoir in the municipalities of Alpnach and Sarnen in the canton of Obwalden, set into a quiet valley surrounded by forest and meadows. The lake covers approximately 22 hectares at 459 meters elevation and is bordered by green fields and woods, with a forested area rising toward Kernwald on its eastern side.
The lake was created in 1955 when the Sarner Aa river was dammed by a hydroelectric power plant operated by Sarneraa, a subsidiary of Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke. This damming project transformed the area into a water management facility that continues to serve both local water storage and power generation needs.
The lake serves as a gathering place for the small communities of Alpnach and Sarnen, where locals spend time outdoors in simple, quiet ways. The fire pit on the western shore and the walking paths around the water are used for everyday relaxation and picnics rather than organized events.
A fire pit on the western shore provides a spot for picnicking and relaxing, while a loop route of about 20 kilometers circles the lake for walkers and cyclists. The surrounding area is easy to access with open meadows and shaded spots for resting throughout the route.
Though created by a hydroelectric dam, the water from the lake continues to flow down the Sarner Aa river, making it an active part of the local water cycle rather than a static reservoir. Today, the artificial lake attracts waterfowl such as ducks, swans, and even eagle owls that nest and feed in this otherwise worked landscape.
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