Staatsarchiv Obwalden, Cantonal archive in Sarnen, Switzerland
Description
The Staatsarchiv Obwalden is a cantonal archive in Sarnen that holds historical documents, photographs, films, and audio recordings spanning several centuries. The collection documents the region's development through official government papers and private recordings of daily life.
History
The archive preserves official papers from Canton Obwalden's government institutions dating back to the 1300s. These records were originally stored in Sarnen's town hall before moving to a dedicated archive building.
Culture
The collection displays photographs and films from the Abächerli holdings, capturing local customs, festivals, and everyday life from 1880 to 1980. These images offer visitors today a direct window into how people lived in earlier times and how the community transformed.
Practical
The archive is located at St. Antonistrasse 4 in Sarnen, where researchers and visitors can access the collections in person. An online database also provides digital access to materials from any location.
Did you know?
The archive holds the White Book of Sarnen from 1470, containing the oldest known written version of the William Tell story. This rare document shows how a locally rooted legend passed down through the centuries.
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Polenweg
1.7 km
St. Karl Borromäus Chapel
2.9 km
Hotel Paxmontana
2.9 km
Benedictine Monastery of St. Andrew
283 m
Landenberg shooting and armory house
443 m
Witch tower
411 m
Catholic Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul
837 m
Collegiate Church of St. Martin
414 m
Grosshaus Hofmatt
770 m
Doppelhaus Grundacher
109 m
Former armory
406 m
Cantonal Library Obwalden
99 m
St. Catherine Chapel
2.9 km
Pfarrkirche St. Gallus (1761, Chor und Turm wieder aufgebaut 1816) mit Beinhaus (1768)
2.2 km
St. Andrew's Convent collection and and music supplies collection
274 m
Obwalden historical museum
406 m
Farmhouse im Huwel
2.2 km
Town Hall of the State of Obwalden
329 m
Doppelhaus am Grund
215 m
Ossuary of St. Michael
837 m
Old Kollegium
490 m
Gasthaus Landenberg
357 m
Birth house of Nicholas of Flue
2.9 km
House von Wyl
324 m
Büel residential building
2.6 km
Steinhaus (ca. 1530)
2.1 km
Gasthaus Rose
2.1 km
House of Nicholas of Flue
3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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