Obwalden & Nidwalden 2019
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Gigathlon Obwalden & Nidwalden 2019 Amidst lakes and mountains Nidwalden lies between Lucerne and Engel- berg, right beside Lake Lucerne. The central location of Nidwalden, its easy accessibility and the unique, unspoilt landscape offer a superb quality of life. Nowhere else in the world can more mountain railways be found in such a small space as in Nidwalden. Over 40 of them provide access to the greatest mountains and viewing points in the heart of Switzerland. The world-famous Stanser- horn, Pilatus, Titlis and Bürgenstock are just a few examples. The mountains and Lake Lucerne do archery and feel the adrenaline rush of quad to the practice of sport in all its forms, be it are close by and offer plenty of opportunity for tours, the rope course, the climbing garden and recreational, popular or competitive. sport, exercise and leisure. There is a limitless paragliding. The canton of Nidwalden is delighted to be a range of activities, from slow and unhurried to Culture and tradition have deep roots in Nid- co-organiser of Gigathlon Switzerland 2019 and ultra-fast and adrenaline-pumping. It's not just walden. Sports clubs therefore play a far more hopes to see all Gigathletes perform to the best snow sport enthusiasts who are attracted to the important role than simply bringing balance to of their ability! distinctive natural beauty of Nidwalden's moun- people's lives. This is why there are a total of tainous landscape. Holidaymakers and day trip- 77 sports clubs, 1,276 youth and sports leaders, pers can enjoy all sorts of adventurous activities 199 sports facilities and a wide range of cantonal from spring to autumn, such as swimming in school sports tournaments for the 43,000 resi- the lake, canoeing, sailing, diving and hiking. dents of Nidwalden. The canton takes pleasure in They can have cookouts, go biking, play golf, this thriving sports scene and is fully committed 2 www.gigathlon.com Let’s o: Runners’ paradise of Obwalden Get there, get going! This simple approach reflects the wealth of from a running session completely drained and opportunity for hiking, walking and running in clear-headed. The best courses, routes and paths Obwalden. The varied landscape, combined with are continuously updated on our website: the use of mountain railways and rounded off www.obwalden-tourismus.ch with a great selection of good food and quiet nights in our hotels, holiday apartments and PS: Obwalden fans know that the runners' can- other types of accommodation, make Obwalden ton can be reached quickly and easily thanks to the most interesting region for runners in Swit- its central location in Switzerland. So you can zerland – in summer and winter alike. arrange an excursion or a walk on your day of arrival or departure as well. Power routes Do you like to test your limits and even go beyond them? Is nature your favourite train- ing partner? Then Obwalden is the right place for you. But you won't be alone. Although our running routes and trails are anything but over- crowded, you are very likely to come across like- minded people here who possess similar quali- ties. And who also love the feeling of returning www.gigathlon.com 3 S A R N E N Sarnen achieves with ease that which calls for a huge effort on the part of other places: the balance between the traditional and the modern. Together with the districts and hamlets of Bitzighofen, Kägiswil, Kirchhofen, Ramersberg, Stalden and Wilen /Oberwilen, the capital of the canton of Obwalden has over 10,000 inhabitants. Action sports in the mountains, recreational activity on the lake History, commerce, nature, culture and quality of life merge into one in Sarnen to make it a place without equal. Nestled within a gentle, unspoilt landscape against a magnificent back- drop of mountains, the capital of Obwalden has the world of nature at its feet – and the local rec- the village, the historic parish church and the reational areas on its doorstep: with its Langis Sarnen Infant Jesus in the convent, the pictur- walking and winter sports paradise, Glaubenberg esque and historically significant village centre is the perfect inspiration for extensive tours in with the town hall, and the famous Hexenturm summer and winter alike. The Lake Sarnen is a (witch tower). The castle tower dates back to the place of enjoyment for those seeking rest and founding period of the Swiss Confederation and relaxation on, in and by the water. The lake also is home to the Obwalden public records office offers ideal training conditions for elite rowers and the White Book of Sarnen, which contains from Switzerland and all over the world. the earliest surviving reference to the Swiss national hero William Tell. Switzerland, the «Oldtimer in Obwalden» (OiO) is In the heart of Switzerland another highlight event. This vintage car rally is Located in central Switzerland, Sarnen can be Vintage cars in Obwalden held every Whitsun weekend and attracts thou- reached from the city of Lucerne by car or the The co-existence of the indigenous population sands of visitors from home and abroad. Zentralbahn railway in just 20 minutes. It takes and showing hospitality to visitors take prior- an hour or so to get to Obwalden from Zurich ity in Sarnen: the campsite by the Lake Sarnen airport. Quick and easy access is not the town's is one of the best in Switzerland thanks to its only attribute, however: visitors arriving in Sar- superb amenities and unique location. The tradi- nen are delighted by the variety of its scenery, tional weekly market is popular with tourists and the extensive range of sport and leisure facili- local residents. It creates a special atmosphere in ties, and the local sights. Examples include the village centre every Saturday morning from Landenberg Castle situated on a hill just outside early May to late October. Famous throughout 4 www.gigathlon.com Klewenalp-Lake Lucerne region The Klewenalp-Lake Lucerne region extends mountains and athletes appreciate the abun- across the canton from Ennetbürgen, via dance of scenic mountain biking trails in the Buochs, Beckenried, Emmetten and Seelisberg Klewenalp-Stockhütte region. to the Isental valley. The Goldi Family Safari is especially popular among families. This wonderful day trip for The birthplace of Switzerland – the Rütli the whole family combines the entire holiday meadow – can be found in the region around region on the south shores of Lake Constance the Klewenalp, as well as a number of unique with a tour that is probably the richest in vari- viewing points and an unrivalled variety of ac- ety in all of Switzerland. The excursion includes tivities. Water sports enthusiasts indulge their rides by boat, cable car, gondola lift, PostBus passion in the deep blue waters of Lake Lu- and funicular railway from Lake Lucerne to the cerne, families enjoy walks and cookouts in the Klewenalp plateau with views over six Swiss lakes and then back again. The longest cable car in the region takes travellers from Beckenried up the Klewenalp, situated 1600 metres above Family Safari with a detective trail is due to sea level, with its marmot reserve, restaurants start from summer 2019. and magical alpine pastures. The safari con- Should the mountains prove too steep, another tinues on foot along wide gravel paths for 90 option is a leisurely walk beside Lake Lucerne minutes to the Stockhütte, which has a chil- between Buochs and Ennetbürgen. There are dren's park and water playground. Trippers pass cosy eateries along the «Seemeile» (lake mile), through Emmetten and Seelisberg and are soon as well as a wide range of sporting activities on in Treib on Lake Lucerne, where a boat is wait- and in the water. From kayaks and pedalos to ing to take them back to the point of departure swimming, virtually anything is possible. in Beckenried. There is one ticket for the whole The Klewenalp tourism region between the Urn- tour to cover all five means of transport. A new ersee lake and Lake Lucerne offers a warm wel- and even more entertaining version of the Goldi come and has something for everyone! www.gigathlon.com 5 News Headquarters, camp – everything in one place products – the inline repair service at headquar- will be completed over appropriate distances. The Gigathlon headquarters is situated in the ters and in the Ennetbürgen-Buochs transition Spectators are welcome to come to the finish line grounds of the Kantonsschule (cantonal school) zone being just one example. at headquarters! Obwalden in the middle of Sarnen. This compact site accommodates not only the check-in, but Cycle/bike repair service by fixfox End of school term also the start and finish arena, the Partner Park, A new supplier has been found for the Gigath- Whilst the spotlight will be on senior school the cycle/bike park, the athlete catering and lon 2019: fixfox will provide a repair service for pupils on the Friday afternoon, the end-of-term public catering area, the camp and the motor- cycles and bikes at the headquarters in Sarnen celebration for Sarnen school teaching staff home park. In addition to this, the transition and the Engelberg transition zone. will be held at Gigathlon headquarters in the zone will be stationed right next to Seefeld evening. Hopefully, 150 teachers will provide for sports centre on the Sunday, thus completing Helvetas a good atmosphere on the finishing line of the the Sarnen headquarters (see also page 8). As a Helvetas charity runner, you will have an SwimRun! opportunity to collect money for clean water Shuttle by taking part in the Gigathlon. Your donation Proceed with caution! A shuttle bus will be provided between will be used to support the work of Helvetas in A number of major events will be taking place the car park Kägiswil airfield and the developing countries where wells and latrines are in central Switzerland during the Gigathlon headquarters at the Kantonsschule from Friday being built together with local tradespeople.