In the Nidwalden canton, vertical power is the first thing you notice in this rugged pocket of the Alps. You are surrounded by sheer cliffs that plunge directly into the dark blue water of Lake Lucerne. This is the land of mountain pioneers who conquered the heights with the Hammetschwand Lift, the highest external elevator in Europe. It feels solid and ancient like the granite peaks of Mount Titlis that stand guard over the valley floor.
Follow the road to the Stanserhorn or explore the Engelberg valley floor which serves as the gateway to the high glaciers. Down by the shore the villages like Beckenried are neat and built of heavy timber to survive the alpine winters. The history of the early Swiss rebels is tied to these woods where they met in secret at the Rütli meadow nearby to plan their freedom.
You find yourself in a place where the people are as sturdy as the mountains they call home. Meadows are incredibly green and the sound of cowbells echoes through the narrow side valleys like the Klewenalp. The Nidwalden canton is a compact powerhouse of scenery and offers an intense mountain experience in a very small space.
Nidwalden (canton) highlights
- Stanserhorn CabriO Ride the world first cable car with an open top deck for a wind in your hair mountain experience. The summit offers views of ten different lakes and the high alpine peaks.
- Bürgenstock Hammetschwand Lift See the side of a vertical cliff in the highest external elevator in Europe. The glass cabin provides a thrilling perspective of the deep lake far below your feet.
- Klewenalp High Plateau Follow the road to Beckenried and take the lift to this family friendly mountain terrace. It is a hub for easy hiking trails with constant views of the water.
- Buochserhorn Lookout This lesser known peak provides a stunning view of the lake without the large tourist crowds. The hike to the top takes you through lush green meadows and pine groves.
- Beckenried Lakeside Promenade Stroll along the quiet shore where the mountain walls seem to rise directly out of the water. It is a perfect spot for a break during a drive around the lake.
- Niederrickenbach Silence Visit this car free hamlet known as a place of power and deep spiritual calm. -The small monastery and church are surrounded by dramatic limestone summits.
- Bannalpsee Emerald Water Discover a hidden mountain lake tucked away in a high valley accessible by a small cable car. The water has a brilliant green color and is ringed by sharp peaks.
- Risetenstock Trails Find the rugged side of the canton on these high altitude paths near the border with Uri. The terrain is rocky and wild, offering a true alpine escape.
- Ennetbürgen Chapel Hill A short drive leads to this scenic overlook with a small chapel dedicated to Saint Jost. It provides one of the best sunset spots in the central region.
- Wirzweli Owl Path Explore this high forest area where a special educational trail teaches about local birds of prey. It is a great hidden gem for families exploring the mountains.
The local Four
History of Nidwalden (canton)
Nidwalden is a canton shaped by the sheer power of its vertical geography. In the Middle Ages the people of this lower forest were isolated by massive rock walls and the deep waters of Lake Lucerne. This isolation bred a fierce independent spirit that led them to become one of the three founding members of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. They were peasant warriors who learned to use their treacherous landscape as a weapon defending their mountain passes against the most powerful armies in Europe.
One of the most defining moments in local history occurred in 1798 when the people refused to accept the new laws of Napoleon’s Helvetic Republic. This led to a tragic but heroic resistance where the locals fought against overwhelming French forces to protect their ancient traditions. This event solidified a deep sense of communal identity that still exists today. The landscape is dotted with monuments to these struggles from the stone chapels in Stans to the quiet memorials tucked into the folds of the Stanserhorn.
The 20th century saw the province transform from a land of mountain farmers to a hub of high tech engineering. The founding of Pilatus Aircraft in 1939 turned the quiet valley floor into a center for global aviation. Despite this modernization the people have kept their ancient democratic customs such as the open air voting assembly. The history of the canton is a story of a rugged vertical world that managed to keep its traditional soul while becoming a leader in modern precision and flight.