Discover Kerns: Chapels, Kernwald and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Kerns
Kerns is located in the Swiss canton of Obwalden, near the cantonal capital of Sarnen, at an altitude of 565 metres above sea level. The municipality combines sacred architecture with hiking trails through cultural landscapes and woodland. An indoor swimming pool and connections to summer and winter sports are also among the things you can factor into your plans. If you are looking for a hotel in Kerns, planning your days can help you decide what kind of stay you would like.
Chapels and Churches in Kerns
The Chapel of St. Niklausen is the oldest building in the municipality whose original structure has been fully preserved. Its choir is decorated with medieval murals, which were uncovered and restored between 1944 and 1946. More images can be found on the wooden ceiling: the panels in the nave and choir depict scenes from a Bible of the Poor. The wall paintings and ceiling images offer different insights into the chapel’s design.
The Chapel of St. Anthony also has its own visual history. It was built in 1639; above its entrance is a mural depicting the Dance of Death. The parish church of Kerns stands out for its arrow-shaped spire. A larger-than-life figure of Nicholas of Flüe stands in a niche in the gable. Visitors interested in church architecture will find several different motifs here, from medieval images inside to the figure on the exterior façade.
Hikes Between Cultural Landscapes and the Kernwald
The hiking route from Kerns via FlĂĽeli-Ranft to Sarnen takes around three hours. Its stretch through the cultural landscape passes flower-filled meadows and pastures and offers views of Pilatus and Stanserhorn. This route combines a specific hiking stage with expansive landscape views. The loop through the Kernwald offers a different natural setting, following a wooden boardwalk through the small moorland area around Lake Gerzensee.
In the Kernwald, the Chärwaldräuber adventure trail introduces visitors to the characteristics of the woodland landscape and includes eleven stations. Guided hikes are also available for groups and companies. A ranger leads visitors to the various stations and shares stories and background information about the Kernwald. If you are planning this guided experience, check the booking conditions in advance. The route through the Kernwald is described as being reached by train to Sarnen, followed by a postbus to Kerns, Kernwald; check the timetable before setting off.
More Destinations and Seasonal Connections
Melchsee-Frutt, a summer and winter sports resort, is part of Kerns. The municipality therefore has a clear seasonal dimension, while the chapels and hiking trails described here offer further points of interest for your stay. A hiking route from Stanserhorn to Kerns goes over the Ă„cherli Pass. Ă„lggialp can be reached via Kerns along a narrow mountain road. You can take these different locations and routes into account when choosing your excursions without combining them into a single hike.
Indoor Swimming Pool and Alpine Traditions
The Kerns indoor swimming pool has a sports pool, a learners’ pool, a water slide and a baby pool. These pools and facilities cater to different swimming and bathing preferences. If a visit is important to your plans, check which facilities are currently available in advance.
A single historical event also offers a glimpse into the region’s Alpine traditions. During the 2016 Alpabfahrt (cattle descent) documented in Kerns, livestock was ceremonially driven down from the mountain pastures into the valley. Stalls sold items including raclette sandwiches, drinks and local products; cheese made from the milk of one participating herd was also on offer. This information refers to the documented 2016 cattle descent and does not describe a regular offering.
This gives you several options for planning your trip: the route to Sarnen is a hike with a stated duration, while the Kernwald loop combines moorland scenery with an adventure trail. Churches and chapels add architectural and visual history to your itinerary, and the indoor swimming pool offers another activity during your stay in Kerns.
Discover more destinations: Melchtal, Sarnen, Alpnach, Melchsee-Frutt, Giswil, Sachseln, Engelberg, Lungern
Go to the overview of destinations: Obwalden.
