Geographical centre of Switzerland

Monument Point marking Switzerland's geographic centre in Obwalden

In Obwalden, the marked geographical centre of Switzerland sits in high alpine terrain near Älggi-Alp; visitors combine the point with mountain pastures, hiking and stays at nearby alpine huts.

Main image

The geographical centre of Switzerland is a measured point in the canton of Obwalden in central Switzerland, marked as the country’s central geographic location. The site lies in alpine pastureland within Switzerland’s mountainous interior.

The spot is marked on the ground and visited by people interested in geography and local landscapes; the immediate surroundings are open pasture and alpine terrain rather than built tourist infrastructure. Access typically involves a short walk from nearby mountain roads or pasture tracks.

The point was calculated and marked to indicate the geographic centre of the Swiss Confederation; it functions as a geographic landmark rather than a historical monument with complex phases of construction.

Geographically it sits in central Switzerland in the canton of Obwalden, amid alpine pastures and mountain foothills, in the broader region between the Swiss Plateau and higher Alpine ridges.

Geographical centre of Switzerland
Near Älggi-Alp, Obwalden, Switzerland (geographical centre plaque area)
46.8011, 8.2267
Free

How to Get to Geographical centre of Switzerland #

The centre is best reached from nearby regional towns such as Sarnen. From Sarnen, expect a drive into higher mountain roads and a final walk or moderate hike to Älggi-Alp; local trail maps and alpine transit options (bus or cable where available) will provide the last-mile details.

Tips for Visiting Geographical centre of Switzerland #

  • The actual marked point near Älggi-Alp can be reached on foot; verify the alpine trail conditions before attempting the hike.
  • Combine the visit with a stop in Sarnen or Sachseln to see local Swiss alpine culture and pick up a detailed trail map.
  • Wear layers-the alpine center can be cool even in summer and weather changes quickly.

Best Time to Visit Geographical centre of Switzerland #

Summer months for hiking access and stable trail conditions.

Summer
June-September · 8-20°C (46-68°F)
Warmest and most accessible season for alpine trails and reaching the marked centre point.
Spring/Autumn
April-May, October · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Quieter but still changeable weather; mud and late snow possible in spring.
Winter
November-March · -10-5°C (14-41°F)
Snow and ice can make access difficult; local mountain stations operate seasonally.

Weather & Climate near Geographical centre of Switzerland #

Climate

Geographical centre of Switzerland's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1436 mm/year), wettest in June, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
AugustJulySeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
-24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

92 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
8.9h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

37 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-6°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

96 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
10.2h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-4°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
High
13.4h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

127 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (153 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

48 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

153 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.6h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

150 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.7
UV Index
Very High
15.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
14.0h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
14°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

113 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

117 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Low
10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.3h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

36 Poor

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-4°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

107 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.5h daylight

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