Top 6 Lakes in Kernwald

Within Kernwald, the most popular lake is Gerzensee in the Kernwald, known for being a pure groundwater lake with no inflow or outflow, and offering family-friendly amenities like barbecue and picnic areas. Another cherished spot is Gerzensee Pond, historically used for peat extraction and notable for dragonflies in summer and a frozen surface in winter.

Yes, several lakes in and around Kernwald are great for families. Gerzensee in the Kernwald is a pure groundwater lake with barbecue and picnic areas, making it ideal for family outings. Lake Lungern, with its clear, warm water and a small sandy beach, is also very popular for families, offering swimming, pedal boating, and a long water slide. The Melchsee-Frutt area, home to Melchsee and Tannensee, is a car-free, family-friendly resort with various leisure activities.

The lakes in Kernwald and the surrounding Obwalden area offer diverse natural features. Gerzenseeli is nestled within a prehistoric landslide landscape, featuring large boulders and a tranquil moorland. Wichelsee is a protected nature reserve, rich in birdlife and framed by an impressive rock face. Lake Lungern is known for its emerald-green waters and the scenic Dundelbachfall waterfall. The high-alpine lakes like Tannensee and Melchsee offer wild highland scenery and clear mountain air.

The Kernwald region provides numerous outdoor activities. You can enjoy various running trails, such as the "Gerzenseeli – Water Lilies at Chernwald Pond loop," or explore easy hikes like the "Gerzensee Pond – Gerzensee in the Kernwald loop." For more challenging adventures, there are mountain hikes like the "Matthorn – Ober Steigli Railway Crossing loop." Many lakes, including Lake Sarnen and Lake Lungern, offer opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and cycling along their shores. You can find more details on specific routes in the Running Trails in Kernwald, Easy hikes in Kernwald, and Mountain Hikes in Kernwald guides.

Yes, there are several hiking trails. An easy circular trail around Lake Lungern offers fantastic views and picnic areas. Lake Sarnen features a well-developed path along its shores, popular for walking and cycling. Within Kernwald, you can take an easy hike like the "Gerzensee Pond – Gerzensee in the Kernwald loop" which is about 6.7 km. For a scenic view during an ascent, consider the forest hiking trail leading to View of Stansstad from above Hof Oberrüti.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, with Lake Lungern's water reaching pleasant temperatures up to 23 degrees Celsius. Late spring is particularly beautiful around Wichelsee when snowmelt swells the water and the valley is vibrant. For those interested in winter activities, the high-alpine Tannensee transforms into a unique setting for ice fishing when frozen.

Beyond Gerzenseeli within Kernwald, the broader Obwalden region boasts several other notable lakes. These include the large and picturesque Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), Lake Sarnen which is the largest entirely within Obwalden, the emerald-green Lake Lungern, the protected Wichelsee nature reserve, and the high-alpine Tannensee and Melchsee in the Melchsee-Frutt area.

Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquil and untouched natural settings, such as the unique Gerzenseeli with its wooden footbridge. The family-friendly atmosphere, especially around Gerzensee in the Kernwald with its barbecue and picnic areas, is also highly appreciated. Many find the diverse landscapes, from forest lakes to high-alpine reservoirs, and the opportunities for photography and peaceful relaxation to be highlights of their visit.

Yes, Lake Lungern is particularly suitable for swimming, with its drinking-quality water reaching pleasant temperatures up to 23 degrees Celsius in summer. It even features a small swimming area with a sandy beach and a long water slide. Tannensee, a high-alpine reservoir, also offers clear waters for swimming, providing a peaceful alternative to busier spots.

While the immediate vicinity of some smaller lakes like Gerzenseeli is more focused on nature and tranquility, the towns and villages surrounding the larger lakes in Obwalden, such as Sarnen near Lake Sarnen, and the Melchsee-Frutt resort area, offer cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. These areas provide amenities for visitors exploring the region.

Yes, boat rentals are available on some of the larger lakes. Lake Sarnen offers rentals for pedalos, rowing boats, and motorboats, and a cruise ship operates there from April to October. On Melchsee, pedalos are available for rent, allowing visitors to enjoy the clear mountain waters from a different perspective.

Wichelsee stands out as a protected nature reserve, primarily known for its tranquil atmosphere and rich birdlife. It's a habitat for various bird species, including owls, tufted ducks, and a large colony of swans, making it an ideal spot for nature observation and silence. The impressive rock face in the background also adds to its unique photographic appeal.

Yes, the high-alpine region of Melchsee-Frutt, accessible from the broader Obwalden area, is home to the picturesque Tannensee and Melchsee. Tannensee, at an elevation of 2036 meters, offers a serene atmosphere and a wild highland feel, popular for swimming and angling. Melchsee is another stunning alpine lake in this car-free, family-friendly resort area, providing opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boating.