The waters of the little Melchaa river rush deep below Melchaaboden, squeezing through narrow, old glacial mills and passageways with deep-blue rapids. Around 1600, people would burn charcoal at the “Cholplatz” and then carry this up on their backs to nearby Ennetstocken. A little hut with a barbecue area provides the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Narrow passages with high vertical rocks lead to the “Beggar’s Nest”. Legend has it that tinkers, basket makers and cutlers made their home here. The trail continues past the “Cathedral” and the “Evil Staircase”, where the stream forces its way through narrow gaps. In the old days, this was a critical spot if you were carrying timber! The trail takes you to the Obwalden power station. From here, the two water channels take the water from the Great Melchtal valley to Lake Lungern. After a little more than one and a half hours, the hike ends at the Rindenhüttli. The return journey follows the same path.

Getting there: By public transport or car to Giswil station. From there, a hiking trail leads to Melchaaboden, the gateway to the gorge.