There are 800 local businesses which employ 5857 people. 9% of these are in the agricultural sector, 31% in trade and industry, 60% in services.
The main sights of Sarnen are: Landenberg (main square), the new Kollegikirche (church), the Grundacher mansion, the archive tower with a white book, and the historic museum. Sarnen is renowed for its traditional music.