Nidwalden
Nidwalden is a small canton in the centre of Switzerland, bordering Lucerne, Obwalden, Uri and Lake Lucerne. Its terrain is mountainous, and encircled by high ranges on all sides, except to the north, where it boasts a beautiful coastline on Lake Lucerne. Nidwalden is known as one of the first three cantons, together with Uri and Schwyz, that formed the Swiss Confederation in 1291. The region has mostly retained its traditional agriculture with its family-owned farms, but nowadays more important sectors include optics, electronics and airplane construction. Tourism, especially ski tourism in the winter and hiking in the summer, is of increasing importance. Traditional customs, music and dance festivals, concerts and museums also attract many visitors to the towns and villages in Nidwalden throughout the year. The capital, Stans, is an enchanting town and winter resort with one of the oldest mountain railways in the country and a couple of monasteries and churches nearby.