Attractions and Places To See around Lungern - Top 20

Lungern is rich in natural beauty. Key attractions include the stunning emerald green Lake Lungern (Lungernsee), perfect for swimming and boat tours. You can also visit the impressive Giessbach Falls, where a walkway allows you to go behind the water, or the dramatic Aare Gorge with its deep limestone formations. For a unique experience, explore Tannensee, a mountain lake offering a 'wild highland feeling' and bathing opportunities.

Yes, Lungern offers a glimpse into Swiss heritage. The neo-Gothic Pfarrkirche Herz-Jesu Church, consecrated in 1893, stands proudly overlooking the village and features striking sandstone columns. Nearby, the Alter Kirchturm (Old Church Tower) remains as a landmark after the original church was damaged in 1887. The village itself is known for its charming traditional Swiss chalets and alpine atmosphere.

Lungern is a hiker's paradise with trails for all levels. Popular options include the moderate 6.0-mile Lungerersee Lake Loop, offering beautiful views of Lake Lungern. For a more challenging experience, try the 5.3-mile Lungern-Schönbüel Trail or the 7.6-mile Lungern-Turren Panorama Trail. The Butterfly Trail in the Turren mountain area is also a moderately challenging route where you can spot over 100 species of butterflies seasonally. You can find more hiking routes in the area on the Lungern guide page.

Beyond hiking, Lungern offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling around Lake Lungern, with routes like the 'Lungerersee tour - round trip in the Sarneraa valley'. Road cycling and gravel biking are also popular, with numerous routes available. For example, the 'View of Rosenlaui Glacier – Grosse Scheidegg loop' is a challenging road cycling option. You can explore more cycling routes on the Cycling around Lungern guide.

Absolutely! Many attractions cater to families. The Aare Gorge has footbridges and tunnels, with part of it being wheelchair accessible. Giessbach Falls is also considered family-friendly. The Seepark Lungern offers recreational activities like a water slide, open-air swimming area, mini-golf, and a diving tower. The Tannensee and Melchsee-Frutt are also great for families looking for gentle walks and scenic beauty.

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Brienzer Rothorn Summit, which offers magnificent mountain scenery and views towards the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Panoramawelt Lungern Schönbüel and the Viewing Point Schoenbuehel also provide stunning vistas of the lake, mountains, and village. The platform in front of the Pfarrkirche Herz-Jesu Church offers an excellent viewpoint for Lake Lungern.

Lungern is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to August) is ideal for swimming in Lake Lungern (which can reach 23 degrees Celsius), hiking, and enjoying outdoor recreation. Early summer is also when the Dundelbach Waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. For winter sports, the higher mountains like Gupfi are popular for skiing.

Yes, Lake Lungern (Lungernsee) is excellent for swimming. Its clear waters can reach up to 23 degrees Celsius in summer, making it a popular spot for a refreshing dip. Beaches like Inseli Lungern and the Seepark Lungern provide easy access and recreational facilities.

While many attractions are well-known, the Dundelbach Waterfall, located about a 20-minute walk from the village center, offers a spectacular 492-foot drop and is particularly impressive in early summer. The Waldboden Trail is an easy 3.1-mile trail through forests and meadows, featuring a small waterfall, offering a quieter nature experience. The village of Bürglen OW, with its traditional houses and free lido, is also a charming, less-crowded spot on Lake Lungern.

Visitors frequently praise the magnificent mountain scenery and panoramic views, especially from spots like the Brienzer Rothorn Summit. The impressive natural formations of the Aare Gorge and the beauty of Giessbach Falls are also highly rated. Many appreciate the diverse outdoor activities, from hiking and cycling to swimming in the pristine lakes like Tannensee, and the overall tranquil alpine atmosphere.

Yes, Lungern is well-connected by public transport. The Meiringen-Innertkirchen Railway (MIB) stops at both the east and west entrances of the Aare Gorge, with direct connections from Meiringen station. The Brünig Pass is also a key transport link, and the Golden Pass train offers scenic views. The cable car to Turren provides access to higher hiking areas.

When visiting the Aare Gorge, it's recommended to go on weekdays to avoid crowds. The hike through takes about 40 minutes. The west entrance, near Meiringen, offers a large car park and two-thirds of the gorge is wheelchair accessible from this side. Check their official website for detailed information on opening hours, as they can vary seasonally, with evening lighting available in July and August on certain days.