Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Exploring Giswil (BFS 1403) in Obwalden, Obwalden links you directly to Merlisee, Alpoglerberg, and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) network at Bahnhof Giswil (5.1 km). At 1509 m elevation (pop. 3,657), Giswil rewards visitors with walkable town squares and authentic Raclette and Rösti.
Within Obwalden Region (Obwalden region), Giswil (Giswil (BFS 1403)) serves as a municipality (gemeinde / commune) in obwalden region. Travelers exploring Obwalden often combine a stop in Giswil with regional highlights such as Historic Altstadt / Old Town, Panoramic mountain & lake views, Marked SwitzerlandMobility hiking trails, Local heritage museum.
| Fact | Details for Giswil (Giswil (BFS 1403)) |
|---|---|
| Switzerland Name | Giswil (BFS 1403) (Giswil) |
| Administrative Status | Municipality (Gemeinde / Commune) in Obwalden Region |
| Region & Capital | Obwalden Region (Capital: Sarnen) |
| Region of Switzerland | Obwalden |
| Population | 3,657 residents |
| Total Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | Official Municipality |
| Coordinates | 46.8359°N, 8.1188°E |
Getting to Giswil & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Sarnen Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)): Connected via hourly SBB CFF FFS rail and PostBus services; fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass.
- Local rail & SBB EasyRide / transit cards: Once in Obwalden Region, SBB regional trains, narrow-gauge mountain railways, and yellow PostBuses connect Sarnen with Giswil. The SBB Mobile app (EasyRide swipe) and Swiss Half Fare Card & regional transit passes cover trains, PostBuses, trams, and boats nationwide.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Obwalden have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Giswil en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with SBB Luggage Transfer.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Giswil are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways station or airport in Obwalden can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and high Alpine passes. Read our Renting a Car in Switzerland Guide.
What to Eat in Giswil & Obwalden
Giswil shares the culinary traditions of Obwalden Region and the wider Obwalden region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Cheese fondue — a signature specialty across Obwalden Region.
- Raclette — a signature specialty across Obwalden Region.
- Rösti — a signature specialty across Obwalden Region.
- Bircher muesli — a signature specialty across Obwalden Region.
- Swiss artisanal chocolate — a signature specialty across Obwalden Region.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Switzerland Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Switzerland dietary explanations at restaurants in Giswil.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Best time to visit Obwalden: Jun–Sep (summer trails), Dec–Mar (winter sports).
Regional highlights across Obwalden Region that pair well with a visit to Giswil include: Historic Altstadt / Old Town, Panoramic mountain & lake views, Marked SwitzerlandMobility hiking trails, Local heritage museum.
Practical Travel Tips for Giswil
- Tourist information office (Tourist Info): Look for the official Switzerland Tourism or local tourist office counter inside or right outside the main train station in Giswil (or at Sarnen Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Giswil accept international cards and contactless / SBB EasyRide payment, smaller family-run restaurants, Alpine huts (Berghütten), and farm stands may prefer cash or Twint. Swiss PostFinance and cantonal bank (Kantonalbank) ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Giswil (Giswil (BFS 1403)) located in Switzerland?
Giswil (Giswil (BFS 1403)) is a municipality (gemeinde / commune) located in Obwalden Region in the Obwalden region of Switzerland (coordinates: 46.8359°N, 8.1188°E). It has a population of approximately 3,657 across an area of Regional km².
How do I get to Giswil by train?
Most visitors reach Giswil via the main prefectural gateway of Sarnen Central Station (SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways). Connected via hourly SBB CFF FFS rail and PostBus services; fully covered by the Swiss Travel Pass. From the regional hub, connect by SBB regional trains, PostBus (PostAuto), or lake steamer to Giswil. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our SBB CFF FFS & Panoramic Alpine Railways Fare Calculator.
What local food is Giswil and Obwalden known for?
In Giswil and across Obwalden Region, top local dishes include Cheese fondue, Raclette, Rösti, as well as Bircher muesli and Swiss artisanal chocolate. Look for traditional Swiss Stuben, Alpine cheese dairies, and weekly town markets near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Giswil?
Best time to visit Obwalden: Jun–Sep (summer trails), Dec–Mar (winter sports). Check our Switzerland Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: