Kerns-Flüeli-Ranft-Kerns circular route

The hike begins at the Kerns post office. You will find the yellow hiking trail signs at the corner of the building. I follow the sign "Flüeli-Ranft". Now it's through Sidernstrasse and on to the next signposts, always marked "Flüeli-Ranft". After the Chalcherli landfill, a small pass leads to Wandelen, then you walk cross-country and later on a road to Chäppeli. You soon reach the Hohe Brücke, the border between Kerns and Sachseln.

The Ranft Gorge is deep and impassable, carved out by the Melchaa on its way from the Melchtal valley into Lake Sarnen. For centuries, people had to bypass this barrier or take the dangerous, arduous route down and up the other side. The gorge is associated with a famous name: Niklaus von Flüe, the peacemaker, was born in Flüeli-Ranft and later went into the gorge, where he lived in solitude. Niklaus von Flüe is one of the most influential figures in Swiss history. Chapels on both sides of the gorge commemorate the famous saint.

The first bridge over the Melchaa was not built until 1893. Today's bridge is 30 meters long and spans the gorge 100 meters above the river. The "High Bridge" between Kerns and Flüeli-Ranft is the highest covered wooden bridge in Europe.

After the High Bridge, you quickly reach Flüeli. From the house where Niklaus von Flüe lived as a farmer, family man and councillor, a paved path leads down to the Ranft. Instead, use the gravelled, official hiking trail. You will find it thanks to the large hiking signpost on the main square. It points in the direction of Stans. The green numbers 4 (Jakobsweg), 2 (Trans Swiss Trail) and 571 (Bruderklausenweg) also point the way. Follow these signposts as far as St. Anton.

Behind the Ranft Chapel, you cross the Melchaa on a footbridge. The path leads up past the Müsli chapel to the church of St. Niklausen. The free-standing bell tower and the interior of the church with its medieval frescoes and baroque painted ceiling are well worth seeing. In St. Niklausen you have the option of taking the Postbus and shortening the hike by a good hour.

Soon after the Dominican nunnery Bethanien, you can enjoy the fantastic view over the Sarneraa valley and Lake Sarnen from the Egg. A shortcut would take you more directly to Burgholz via Schärpfi. At the St. Anton chapel, leave the SwitzerlandMobility trail marked with green stickers and descend via Burgholz to the village of Kerns.