Kerns

A picturesque village in the Sarner valley known for its traditional wooden chalets and rural Swiss charm, Kerns offers a quieter alternative to busier destinations with excellent hiking access. The village is notable for its well-preserved architecture and proximity to natural attractions like the Sarnersee lake.

Things to do

• Hiking to Sarnersee — A scenic walk from Kerns down to the pristine alpine lake offers stunning views of surrounding peaks and a refreshing swim or picnic spot in summer.
• Explore Kerns village architecture — Wander through the village to admire traditional wooden chalets with hand-painted shutters and ornamental details typical of central Swiss construction.
• Visit Melchtal valley nearby — A short excursion from Kerns leads to this scenic side valley known for dairy farming, traditional alp culture, and mountain hiking trails.
• Mountain biking in Sarner valley — The valley around Kerns provides well-maintained trails suitable for both casual and experienced mountain bikers exploring the rural landscape.
• Visit Sarnen nearby — The capital of Obwalden is a short drive away and features the museum, historic town square, and cultural institutions worth a day trip.
• Wildly foraging walks — Join locals in seasonal mushroom and herb foraging through the forests surrounding Kerns, a traditional Swiss mountain village activity.

Food to try

• Älplermagronen — This regional pasta dish combines egg noodles, potatoes, cheese, and onions—a hearty staple of Alpine cuisine served warm in local restaurants.
• Obwald Cheese — Local dairies produce distinctive semi-hard cheese with a slightly nutty flavor, available fresh from village shops and farmstands.
• Appenzeller bread — Dense, traditionally-baked rye bread from nearby Appenzell region is a staple in Kerns bakeries and pairs perfectly with local cheese.
• Fondue — Swiss melted cheese fondue is a winter favorite served in village restaurants as both a traditional dish and cozy communal dining experience.
• Rösti with local dairy — Crispy potato pancakes topped with fresh Obwalden cheese and sometimes bacon reflect the mountain region's agricultural heritage.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect farm schedules and quiet hours — Kerns remains an active farming community; avoid hiking through private pastures and be mindful of noise levels especially during early mornings and evenings when livestock are being managed.
• Learn basic Swiss German greetings — While many speak standard German and English, locals appreciate visitors learning phrases like 'Grüezi' (hello) and 'Merci' (thank you) as a sign of respect.
• Join local Alpine traditions — If visiting in summer, watch for community alphorn concerts and traditional dairy festivals that celebrate the region's pastoral heritage and are welcoming to respectful visitors.
• Shop at village bakeries and dairy stands — Supporting local family-run shops and farmstands rather than large supermarkets is both economically important to the community and offers fresher, traditional products.