The Canton of Obwalden is a small canton in central Switzerland with approximately 38,000 inhabitants spread across 7 municipalities. Situated south of Lake Sarnen and bordering Lake Lucerne, it offers an authentic alpine setting with preserved landscapes between crystal-clear lakes and impressive peaks (Pilatus, Titlis, Brienzer Rothorn). Its capital, Sarnen, is a pleasant town on the shores of the lake of the same name. The canton is best known for the resort of Engelberg and its millenary Benedictine monastery, as well as its taxation among the most attractive in Switzerland.
Obwalden is a residential and tourist canton that combines exceptional alpine quality of life with favourable tax conditions. Its position along the Brunig axis (road and Zentralbahn) provides good connections to Lucerne (25 min) and the Bernese Oberland, while the A2 motorway (Gotthard axis) crosses its northern part. Moving rates are moderate, among the most competitive in central Switzerland.
Why move to the Canton of Obwalden?
- Very attractive taxation: Obwalden offers one of the lowest tax rates in Switzerland, thanks to a competitive tax system
- Moderate property prices: significantly lower than Lucerne and Zug, with attractive properties available
- Exceptional natural setting: lakes (Sarnen, Lucerne, Lungern), mountains (Pilatus, Titlis), forests
- Proximity to Lucerne: Sarnen is 25 min by train, enabling comfortable commuting
- Engelberg: an internationally renowned mountain resort, a unique living environment at altitude
- Tranquillity: a human-scale canton, safe and peaceful, ideal for families
The challenges of moving in the Canton of Obwalden
Engelberg: alpine destination
Engelberg is the canton’s main tourist destination, situated at 1,000 metres altitude at the foot of the Titlis (3,238 m). The road from Stans is winding and climbs 500 m over 12 km. In winter, it can be snowy and icy. Moving to Engelberg costs 20 to 30% more than to Sarnen due to the altitude and mountain road. The resort hosts many second homes, hotels and chalets whose moves require adapted alpine logistics.
Lakeside and mountainous topography
Several municipalities border the lakes of Sarnen, Lungern and Lucerne. Lakeside properties are often on slopes, with sometimes difficult access. The municipalities at the end of the valley (Lungern, Giswil) are enclosed and the mountain roads are narrow.
Winter conditions
Obwalden winters can be harsh, especially at Engelberg and in areas at higher elevation. The Brunig Pass (1,008 m), connecting Obwalden to the Bernese Oberland, can be snowy and require chains. Winter moves at altitude require specific planning.
Rural heritage
The canton preserves a significant rural heritage: traditional wooden farmhouses, barns, alpine chalets. These buildings often have restricted access, narrow staircases and unpaved tracks.
Our moving services in the Canton of Obwalden
- Residential moving: complete service adapted to the alpine context
- Commercial moving: offices, hotels, shops, agricultural businesses
- Free quote: compare offers from Obwalden and central Switzerland movers
- Professional packing: reinforced protection for mountain transport
- Storage: secure storage in the Sarnen valley and Lucerne area
- Furniture lift: for chalets, older buildings and sloping properties
- Specialist alpine transport: adapted vehicles for Engelberg and high-altitude areas
- International moving: long-distance service from/to Obwalden
- End-of-lease cleaning: professional property restoration to local standards
Moving prices in the Canton of Obwalden
Rates are moderate, except for moves to Engelberg and high-altitude areas which are more expensive.
Local move
| Property type | Estimated volume | Price range (CHF) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 room | 10-15 m3 | 500 - 1,000 |
| 2 rooms | 20-25 m3 | 850 - 1,500 |
| 3-4 rooms | 30-45 m3 | 1,300 - 2,900 |
| 5 rooms and above | 50-70 m3 | 2,200 - 4,500 |
| Chalet / house | 60-90 m3 | 3,000 - 6,000+ |
Intercantonal move
| Route | Estimated supplement |
|---|---|
| Obwalden - Lucerne (30 km) | + 200 - 450 CHF |
| Obwalden - Nidwalden (15 km) | + 150 - 300 CHF |
| Obwalden - Bern (80 km) | + 400 - 750 CHF |
| Obwalden - Zurich (110 km) | + 450 - 900 CHF |
| Obwalden - Uri (60 km) | + 300 - 600 CHF |
Factors affecting the price
- Engelberg: the high-altitude resort adds 20 to 30% to prices (winding road, altitude, logistics)
- Accessibility: chalets and farmhouses may have restricted access requiring carrying
- Altitude: Lungern (712 m), Giswil (485 m), Engelberg (1,000 m) have varying constraints
- Season: avoid Engelberg’s peak tourist season (Christmas, February, Easter) for the best rates
- Property type: second homes, hotels and chalets have specific needs
- Services: packing (+30 to 50%), furniture lift (300-700 CHF), cleaning (200-700 CHF)
Main municipalities in the Canton of Obwalden
- Sarnen: cantonal capital (~10,500 pop.), town on the shores of Lake Sarnen, administrative and commercial centre, Landsgemeinde square
- Kerns: rural municipality (~6,500 pop.), at the foot of Pilatus, between farming and residential
- Alpnach: municipality on Lake Lucerne (~6,000 pop.), departure point of the Pilatus rack railway (the steepest in the world)
- Engelberg: international mountain resort (~4,500 pop.), Benedictine monastery, Titlis, skiing and hiking
- Sachseln: municipality on Lake Sarnen (~5,500 pop.), pilgrimage site (Brother Klaus)
- Giswil: valley municipality (~3,800 pop.), at the foot of the Brunig Pass
- Lungern: end-of-valley municipality (~2,200 pop.), turquoise lake, at the foot of the Brunig
Unique features of moving in the Canton of Obwalden
Engelberg, alpine gem
Engelberg is far more than a ski resort: it is a living community with a millenary Benedictine monastery, an international school, permanent residents and a strong international community. Moves there are frequent (tourist turnover, second homes, hotel staff). Local movers know the specific constraints: hairpin road, altitude, limited parking during peak season.
Pilatus and tourism
Pilatus (2,128 m) dominates the Canton of Obwalden and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The rack railway departs from Alpnach (the steepest in the world, 48% gradient). Municipalities at the foot of Pilatus are residential and sought-after.
Brunig Pass
The Brunig Pass (1,008 m) connects Obwalden to the Bernese Oberland (Meiringen, Interlaken). It is the only direct route westward. Moves to the Bernese Oberland pass over this col, which is open year-round but can be snowy in winter.
Brother Klaus
Sachseln houses the sanctuary of Nicholas of Flue (Brother Klaus), patron saint of Switzerland. This spiritual dimension is reflected in the architecture and atmosphere of the canton.
Tips for your move in the Canton of Obwalden
- Plan Engelberg carefully: check road conditions, weather and parking availability
- Avoid peak season: Christmas, February and Easter at Engelberg = traffic, parking and price increases
- Choose a central Switzerland mover: knowledge of the alpine terrain is essential
- Check access: farmhouses and chalets often have restricted access; measure the track width
- Take advantage of moderate rates: compare 2 to 3 quotes for the best value
- Plan for the Brunig: for moves towards Bern, the pass can add time in winter
- Schedule the cleaning: book the mover and cleaning company simultaneously
- Register your arrival: at the Einwohnerkontrolle of your municipality within 14 days
FAQ — Moving in the Canton of Obwalden
Questions fréquentes
Prices range from 500 CHF for a studio to around 6,000 CHF for a chalet. Moves to Engelberg cost 20 to 30% more due to altitude and the mountain road. Rates are among the most moderate in central Switzerland.
The road to Engelberg (12 km from Stans) is winding but well maintained. In winter, it can be snowy but generally remains passable. Local movers have adapted vehicles and know this road perfectly.
Yes, Sarnen is 25 min from Lucerne by train (Zentralbahn) or by car (A8). Moves between the two cantons are very common and our partners carry them out regularly.
The canton is German-speaking. Some partners in the Lucerne area offer services in French. Indicate your preference when requesting a quote.
In normal periods, 2 to 3 weeks is sufficient. For Engelberg during peak tourist season (winter, Easter), book 4 to 5 weeks ahead to avoid scheduling conflicts.
Yes, Obwalden is one of the cantons with the lowest taxation in Switzerland. This attracts a regular flow of new residents, particularly from Lucerne and Zurich, generating constant demand for moving services.
In the main valley (Sarnen, Kerns, Alpnach), yes without any problem. For Engelberg and the Brunig Pass, it is possible but conditions can be difficult. Local movers adapt their logistics to the season.
Request your free quote for a move in Obwalden
Request your free quote and compare offers from professional movers in the Canton of Obwalden. From Sarnen to Engelberg, from Lake Sarnen to the foot of Pilatus, our partners deliver reliable and professional service at competitive prices in the heart of central Switzerland.