Circular hike Kerns - Gerzensee - Kerns

Tip
8.04 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: easy
Hike
A prehistoric rockslide from the Stanserhorn created the Kernwald into a unique landscape between the cantons of Obwalden and Nidwalden. The easy hike leads right into the realm of the Chärwaldräuber.

From Post Kerns the path leads along Untergasse to Holzbau Bucher and circles the settlement via Huwel – Rüti to Kägiswilerstrasse. Here it crosses the Kernmattbach and climbs up to the flower nursery in Windeggli. The hike continues to Siebeneich to the chapel built in 1722 in Hostettli, which is consecrated to the "weeping Mother of God of Budapest." Therefore, it is regularly visited as a pilgrimage site by Hungarians living in Switzerland.

From Hostettli the path takes a shortcut eastwards along the forest edge and leads directly to the little road in the Kernwald which leads to Zubersrüti. Here, a generously equipped picnic area with a fire pit invites you to linger. This is located right in the realm of the "Chärwaldräuber," who recount incredible stories on a varied adventure trail.

Five minutes from the picnic area, you will discover the idyllic Gerzensee, which radiates surprising natural charms at different times of the year. 

Past Brandgütsch the forest path leads to Hübeli and over Ribeten – Mühlimatt cross-country back to Kerns.

  • 2:05 h
  • 8.04 km
  • 60 m
  • 60 m
  • 542 m
  • 593 m
  • 51 m
  • Start: Post Kerns
  • Destination: Post Kerns

Good to know

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

From the Kerns post office, the trail leads along Untergasse to Holzbau Bucher and circles the settlement via Huwel - Rüti to Kägiswilerstrasse. Here it crosses the Kernmattbach stream and climbs up to the flower nursery in Windeggli. The hike continues to Siebeneich as far as the chapel in Hostettli, built in 1722 and dedicated to the "weeping Mother of God of Budapest". This is why it is regularly visited as a place of pilgrimage by Hungarians living in Switzerland.

From Hostettli, the trail takes a shortcut eastwards along the edge of the forest and leads directly to the small road into the core forest, which leads to Zubersrüti. Here, a spacious picnic area with a fireplace invites you to linger. This is in the middle of the realm of the "Chärwaldräuber", who tell legendary stories on a varied adventure trail.

Five minutes from the picnic area, you will discover the idyllic Lake Gerzen, which exudes surprising natural charm at different times of the year.

The forest road leads past Brandgütsch to Hübeli and via Ribeten-Mühlimatt cross-country back to Kerns.

Tour information

  • Loop Road

  • Nature Highlight

Directions & Parking facilities

From Lucerne through the tunnel onto the A8 towards Interlaken, switch to Sarnen and then continue on the A8 to the exit Sarnen Nord, Kerns. Use the left lane at the exit towards Kerns.

From Interlaken via Brünig on the A8 to the exit Sarnen Nord, Kerns. At the exit, keep right and turn towards Kerns.

From Lucerne/Interlaken take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Sarnen, then change in Sarnen to the post bus to Kerns.

Author

Obwalden Tourismus

Organization

Obwalden Tourismus

Nearby