In Lungern, mountain destinations, trails along Lake Lungern and a rich local history come together. This makes it easier to plan your outings: would you like to plan a longer hike with an ascent, take an easy cycling loop, or explore historic churches and trails? Turren, above Lungern, offers a distinctive perspective too: from there, you can see the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
Lungern can be reached from Lucerne and Interlaken on the Luzern–Interlaken Express. As timetables can change, it is best to check your connection before setting off. Lake Lungern is just a few minutes’ walk from Lungern and Kaiserstuhl railway stations. When choosing your accommodation, compare its exact address with the places you plan to visit.
The lido in Lungern has a sheltered area for non-swimmers. At Badi Lungern, you can rent pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Rental equipment availability may change; check before your visit whether the option you want is available.
Hiking Trails, Cycling Tours and Nature
The old BrĂĽnig mule track is signposted from Lungern railway station. The hike includes around 400 metres of ascent and takes two to three hours. Weather and trail maintenance may affect the duration and conditions. Along the way, look out in particular for the famous stone staircase, the largely preserved sunken-road structure and sections of old cobblestone paving. For planning, the main considerations are the ascent and walking time.
The Lake Lungern circuit offers a different kind of outing: this easy cycling loop is 9.42 kilometres long and passes the Dundelbach. The waterfall has two tiers and is protected at national level. The mule track and the cycling loop therefore differ not only in how you travel, but also in what you need to plan for: ascent and walking time matter on the mule track, while the cycling tour is measured by distance.
Above Lungern, Höch Gumme is a destination with a 360-degree panorama. The route passes alpine pastures, summit crosses and viewpoints. Another walking option goes around Finsterbüel towards the small hamlet of Breitenfeld, with views into the Lungern valley basin and as far as the Bernese Alps. The Lungern-Turren area also has mountain-bike descents along the mountain road to Lungern and via Dundelegg and Mörlialp.
Those who want to explore nature on an educational trail will find a route in Lungern with more than 40 illustrated and graphic information boards. They cover trees, shrubs, plants, wildlife and birds, as well as the interplay between fauna and flora. Three official, signposted snowshoe routes run high above Lake Lungern in winter; their seasonal availability depends on snow conditions.
Audio Tours and Local History
The Audiotour-Lungern app offers five tours for exploring Lungern. It can be used offline and is available in German, French and English. The “Lake Lungern Circuit” audio tour goes all the way around the lake; the route is flat and easy to walk. The “Village Circuit” leads through the Obsee district and to historic places and buildings in Lungern. This lets you choose between a lakeside walk and a tour focused on local history.
The churches and chapels also tell stories of different eras. Isolated finds from the Mesolithic, Bronze Age and Roman periods have been discovered in Lungern. The Old Church Tower is the surviving late Romanesque bell tower of the former church complex; the church is first mentioned in 1275. The Neo-Gothic parish church was consecrated in 1893, after the former church was damaged in 1887 by a storm and debris from the Eibach. Artistic details in the parish church include stained-glass windows by artist Albert Schweri and a Crucifixion group by Beat Gasser.
Two dates should be distinguished for Burg Chapel: it was first mentioned in 1537, while the present-day chapel was built in 1883. It is dedicated to Brother Klaus, the patron saint of the Swiss Confederation. The village chapel dates from the 17th century. In 1739, it fell victim to a fire; only the masonry remained intact. Notable features include a walnut door decorated with marquetry and three late Gothic altar statues. A section of the Chäppeliweg also follows an old Roman road; a staircase from the former Alpine crossing survives in front of the Brand forest clearing.
Turren is considered a peaceful, nature-oriented and family-friendly local recreation area. Together with the trails, lake and historic sites, it shows how varied a stay in Lungern can be: taking in the mountain scenery, exploring on foot or by bike, or setting aside time for local history.
Discover more destinations: Kerns, Sarnen, Engelberg, Giswil, Alpnach, Sachseln, Melchsee-Frutt.
Back to the regional travel overview: Obwalden.
