Dorfplatz

The Dorfplatz (village square) is the historic heart of Sarnen. Several imposing townhouses surround the square, reflecting the wealth and influence of leading local families. Today, these buildings continue to shape daily life, housing shops, cafés and meeting places.

Historic Townhouses on the Square

Von Wyl-Haus

Built between 1502 and 1504 for Arnold Frunz, a powerful Landammann (chief magistrate) and military commander. The house was extensively remodelled in 1832, later used as a hardware shop and taken over by the canton in 1970. Today it is home to Amrhein Optik Sarnen GmbH.

Zemp- und Portmann-Haus

Dating back to the 16th century, both houses were heavily altered in the 19th century. The Zemp-Haus now contains a bakery, while the Portmann-Haus houses a kiosk.

Steinhaus (Heinzlihaus)

Built in 1546 by chief magistrate Balthasar Heinzli, this solid stone building became known as “Zwingunterwalden” because of its fortress-like construction. On the top floor, a hall with wall paintings from 1604 has survived. Today, the building is occupied by the shoe shop Schuhe Blaettler AG.

Gasthaus „zum Schlüssel“

First built as an inn in 1678 and rebuilt after a fire in 1919. The façade painting from 1913 shows the coats of arms of prominent local families. The building remains a restaurant and continues to serve as a popular meeting place on the square.

The Village Fountain

The village fountain dates back to 1604 and has been crowned since the 17th century by a statue of Bruder Klaus (Brother Klaus), Switzerland’s national patron saint. Although he was not canonised until 1947, he was already venerated as a protector centuries earlier.

Over the years, the statue suffered damage and was replaced several times. In 1954, a drunken man attempted to climb the fountain, fell and damaged the figure, for which he had to pay compensation. The original statue is now kept at the Museum Obwalden; a replica stands on the fountain today.

The Village Square: Then and Now

In the past, the village square was a central gathering place for village life. Today, the busy Brünigstrasse cuts through the square, making alternative uses difficult. Plans for a bypass road, first discussed in 1907, were never realised.

Events Past and Present

In 1601, the village square hosted a large-scale Brother Klaus play with over 150 speaking roles, performed over two days and renowned far beyond the region.

Around 1930, a Schesenwagen race took place during Carnival, one of the earliest film-documented Carnival events in the area.

Today, the square remains an important venue for public life. Traditional events such as the Älplerchilbi (Alpine herders' festival) and Carnival continue to keep local customs and community spirit alive.