You may have heard of the name Frutt, but have just never found the time to visit and enjoy the best things to do at Melchsee-Frutt, in Obwalden?
Well, hopefully this is about to change, Melchsee-Frutt is a Swiss insider tip in Obwalden.
Nature, sports, and family gatherings can all be combined with relaxation and recharging your batteries at Frutt.
Read on to find out what kind of activities are at Melchsee-Frutt and how to get there. Our visit was during a cloudy day in autumn, it was still beautiful and special.
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Good to know before you visit Melchsee-Frutt
There are two seasons to enjoy: summer and winter.
The winter periods usually run from December to April. On the other hand, the summer to autumn season runs from June to October.
Sometimes they do extend it over the 1st November bank holiday weekend but only if the weather at Melchsee-Frutt is going to be good.
If you are planning a trip to Melchsee-Frutt during this time, contact the organisation group on site, or get in touch with Obwalden Tourism.
If you want a more visual feel of the place check out our Instagram Highlights ” Melchsee-Frutt”
How to get to Melchsee-Frutt
Make your way to Stöckalp in Sarnen, where you will find a large car park and the gondola which brings you up to Melchsee-Frutt.
Prices: The summer day pass, including all cable cars and the Frutt Zug (tourist train) cost Chf 39.- per adult in 2022 , and children up to the age of 15 years old travel free of charge.
If you do have a half tax, GA or Swiss Travel Pass you will get a reduction in price. The Melchsee-Frutt transport systems are included in the Tell Pass (central Switzerland ticket) and the Regional-Pass Berner Oberland.
Exceptional, late arriving by car to Frutt
If you are staying overnight at Frutt Mountain Resort and you arrive after the closure of the Stöckalp cable car don’t worry.
During the summer months, you can drive up to Melchsee – Fruit. Contact the hotel for more infos on the opening hours of the road.
Arriving on public transport to Melchsee-Frutt
Make your journey by train to Sarnen, in Canton Obwalden. From there change to the post bus to Stöckalp, where you take the cable car.
If you start from Zürich and go via Lucerne, it will take you just over 2h. Check the SBB time table to plan your trip.
Best things to do at Melchsee-Frutt
This tranquil area combines relaxation and beauty at its best. Visitors can relax by the lake, go for a small stroll along the flat path on the plateau or choose a more strenuous activity.
Here are some great suggestions on activities when visiting Melchsee-Futt on a day trip.
The Classic Frutt activities
Hiking at Melchsee-Frutt
Hiking enthusiasts can enjoy short strolls between the lakes or go for a longer day adventure.
As the area is on a high plateau, there are multiple options to enjoy, including a family walk with a push chair.
Below are some of our suggestions.
The Fruttli Weg
Walking time 1 hour – not taking into consideration the time spent playing at each Fruttli Post.
Best for families with kids up to teens. The Fruttli Weg goes around Melchsee and starts at the old cable car station from Stöckalp.
At the station, grab the Fruttli Pass for the kids and start to find the colourful stones hidden along the lake amongst 10 different activity posts.
Each post explains the life and characteristics of the Marmots, and a great activity awaits at each stop. Whether it is climbing, balancing on a tree trunk, or even trying to spot an eagle with a telescope.
In addition to the Fruttli posts, one can also find, ten large wooden animals around Lake Melchsee.
Each animal comes with an information board to help improve your knowledge.
In short, the Fruttli Weg is A family friendly theme trail with lots of fun, and definitely not to be missed when visiting Melchsee-Frutt.
Note: There are BBQ stations around the lake, sponsored by the Schweizer Familie. These stations have fire wood, a grill and sometimes even firelighters.
Melchsee-Frutt to Tannalp & Frutt Zug (Train)
Another great option, maybe when the kids are a bit older is to walk between the two lakes of Melchsee and Tannensee to the Tannalp.
This is ideal if you don’t yet want to negotiate the steeper paths but want to work on endurance. With hardly any ups or downs you may even want to take the small kids bikes or trottinets with you, to add some extra excitement for the kids.
At Tannalp enjoy lunch in the restaurant and take the easy option back to Melchsee-Frutt by hopping on the Frutt Zug (tourist train).
Hiking tip: To make it even longer, include the Fruttli Weg.
If you have a day pass, the Frutt Train is included and departs on every half hour from Tannalp back to Frutt. You can board also by Lake Tannensee.
Playground – Uf dr Wildi
The Melchsee-Frutt area is also a great day trip for the family if you are looking for a play ground with BBQ station. This way everybody can do what makes them happy and enjoy the alpine environment.
The playground “Uf dr Wildi”, by the old cable car station delivers exactly that.
You could easily spend the day there with the family.
Imitating an alpine village, the playground offers sections for all ages and children can pretend and role play the whole day.
Note: Should the BBQ station already be crowded, you will find in total 6 BBQ station around the Melchsee-Frutt area. All of them provide fire wood, a grill, table and benches.
And just to say, you don’t always need a BBQ station to yourself, share one with another family and make friends along the way.
Swimming at Melchsee
If you visit on hot day what better way to cool down than by jumping into Lake Melchsee.
There is a dedicated swimming area so please make sure to stick to the marked section.
Note: It is not allowed to swim at Tannensee and Blausee.
Riding the Frutt Train
Visiting the Frutt area is also ideal for people with limited mobility or those that simply want to have a relaxed day without too much walking.
The Frutt Train is your perfect option. Riding in the Frutt Train along the high plateau between Melchsee and Tannalp gives you the view and the experience in comfort.
Our suggestion would be to ride from Frutt to Tannalp, and have lunch over there. Walk the short distance to Tannensee to digest your lunch, and then hop on the train again all the way back to Melchsee.
Train time table: The train departs from Tannalp on the half hour XX:30 and on the hour from Frutt XX:00.
Prices: If you have a day pass the Frutt Zug is included, otherwise the return ticket is Chf 15.- and a one-way ticket is Chf 10.- per adult. Kids up to 15 years of age ride for free
Other things to do at Melchsee-Frutt
Apart from the classic Frutt activities mentioned above, the area has plenty more activity options on offer. Therefore, if you have more time in Frutt you may want to add these following Frutt activities to your plan.
Hiking from Melchsee to Tannensee via Bonistock
Melchsee-Frutt – Bonistock – Chringen – Tannalp – Tannendamm – Melchsee-Frutt
If you would like to get a bit more altitude then this beautiful hike is a great option.
At the far side of Melchsee you take the Bonistock Gondola (included in the day pass otherwise CHf 9.- per adult).
Enjoy the short ride up the mountain.
This ride gives you also a great view over the whole Melchsee-Frutt plateau where one can see the lakes of Melchsee, Tannenalp, Engstlenensee.
When you reach the Bonistock a surprise vista awaits over the other side of the mountain. Hello Lucerne Region! You can even spot Mount Pilatus in the distance.
Should you visit during the autumn months, you will probably experience the sea of Switzerland (sea of cloud)!
At first the footpath leads along a ridge before descending to Tannalp.
Hiking tip: From Tannalp you could return to Frutt with the Frutt Train or walk back along the plateau.
The Beautiful 4 Lakes Hike From Engelberg to Melchsee-Frutt
Melchsee‐Frutt – Tannalp – Engstlenalp – Jochpass – Trüebsee (or vis versa)
Not one we have done yet, but it looks amazing.
The classic Vier-Seen-Höhenwanderung (Four Lakes High Altitude Hike) connects Melchsee-Frutt and Engelberg in just under 14 kilometres and 600 metres in altitude.
It might sound strenuous, but you can take the easier option and ride multiple cable car systems to overcome the climbs.
Here you will find some more hiking options from Melchsee-Frutt.
Travel tip: If trail running is more your thing, then check out the Victor Röthlin trail running parcour in the Frutt area. Three great trails to improve your skills.
Rock climbing at Melchsee-Frutt
The massive Boni climbing garden, only a few minutes’ walk from lake Melchsee, offers over 170 routes, ranging from easy 3a to the advanced and difficult climbing level 8.
There are not too many great rock-climbing areas for families around, but the Boni Climbing Garden is amazing.
Via ferrata – Klettergarten
You will also find a Klettergarten (or Via Ferrata), but it is only for kids as of 12 years old and a minimum of 150 cm tall.
If rock climbing is an activity you like to do with the family then check out Rock Climbing at Klewenalp.
Wellness and Spa Day at Frutt Mountain Resort
A different day activity, but for sure one which may be well received by the family is a Family Spa Day at the Frutt Mountain Resort!
The family spa area is tailored towards children and families.
Enjoy the kids pool, panoramic pool, Finnish sauna and steam bath.
Because you and the family deserve it!
If you are not staying at the Frutt Mountain Lodge make sure you reserve your place before visiting, directly with the hotel.
NOTE: This is also a great day activity for couples. The main Frutt Lodge Spa is only for adults and offers all you can ask for in a 4 star Mountain Spa. Booking is required for non-guests.
Where to stay at Melchsee-Frutt
Without doubt, spending the night up at Melchsee-Frutt is the best way to experience the area to the fullest.
Different accommodation options are available. However, the best is the Frutt Mountain Resort and Spa which has just been voted The Best 4* Mountain Wellness in Switzerland! You will be in for a treat!
Book your room at the Frutt Mountain Lodge now and read more on our article – a family stay at the Frutt Resort.
Melchsee-Frutt in the Winter
Not only is the area a great hiking domain but also snow sports enthusiasts will find some epic adventures at Melchsee-Frutt.
From snowshoe hikes to ice fishing, sledging and skiing. Pick what you like and enjoy a winter visit at Frutt.
And did you know that Melchsee-Frutt is the winner 2021/22 best ski resort in the category “Klein aber Fein” (small but beautiful)!
Other activities in the Lucerne Region
- Visit Mount Pilatus on the Golden Round Trip from Lucerne
- Lucerne – Self-Guided City Tour (ideal for families)
- Lucerne in Winter – 3 Day getaway Itinerary city to peak
- Glamping in Willisau -Lucerne ( and bike ride)
- Visit the Hammetschwand Lift from Lucerne
I hope these information will be helpful when you are looking for the best things to do at Melchsee-Frutt.
If I have missed anything out, or if you have some more questions then leave a comment below.
Note: This visit was in collaboration with Obwalden Tourism – Thank you again. As always, you can be sure that we will express OUR views and enthusiasm here.
The purpose of such collaborations is to introduce to you great new family destinations and activities and give you tips and suggestions 1st hand.
PIN it for future references and tell a friend about it.
Thank you, Never forget to explore!
