Top 20 Mountain Passes around Kerns
Best mountain passes around Kerns, a municipality in the canton of Obwalden, Switzerland, are situated within a mountain landscape. This region offers access to several mountain passes that provide recreational opportunities and historical significance. The passes cater to hikers, mountain bikers, motorists, and motorcyclists. Kerns is located in Central Switzerland, offering diverse terrain for exploration.
Best mountain passes around Kerns
- The most popular mountain passes is Jochpass Flow Trail, a mtb_park that connects the cantons of Bern and Nidwalden.…
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Ascent to Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen
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Brockenhaus Brünig Pass Summit
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Rengg Pass
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Brünig Pass Scenic Route
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Glaubenberg Pass from Sarnen
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It gets pretty cold on the descent from Glaubenberg, so make sure you have something warm :)
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The Rengg Pass connects Hergiswil and Alpnachstad and was once an important mule track. Today, a beautiful hiking trail leads through forests and past historical sites, including the remains of a medieval defensive wall. The pass offers tranquil nature, steep sections, and views of Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus – ideal for a short, historically rich hike.
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A very beautiful route without cars. Only the post office/public bus is allowed to travel here. A suitable gear is recommended, though. There are four or five fountains for refilling water up to Gr. Scheidegg – perfect.
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As of the end of May 2025, the side road from Lungern train station to the wrestling arena on Brünig Pass is paved throughout. Only 20 meters at the Chäppeli parking lot are still compact gravel. For those who value their lives, take this route and not the Brünig road (N/A8) over the pass.
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In summer, there's a lot of traffic over Brünig. Those who prefer a quieter climb can take this route, but you'll have to push your road bike a short distance over gravel – or if you're not afraid of getting a flat tire, you can just ride over it. Another advantage: the scenery is much more scenic than the main road. But be sure to take the main road downhill.
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Brünig Pass (1008 m above sea level) There is some historical evidence of the Brünig Pass dating back to 1304. These include agreements, protective alliances, regulations regarding property, etc. between Obwalden and Oberhasler. The trade routes from Bern via Thun and Lucerne via Brünig met in Meiringen. They then continued over the Grimsel, Griespass to Lombardy. The main export was Sbrinz cheese, which is why this trade route was called the Sbrinz Route. The transport was carried out exclusively by mule drivers. This was a profitable venture until the beginning of the 19th century. With the development of various passes with roads, it lost importance and the opening of the Gotthard Railway in 1882 brought mule traffic to a complete standstill. Today, interested parties can experience the mule traffic on the Sbrinz route in the summer months. Construction of the Brünigstrasse began in 1857. The Brünigbahn opened in 1888. This cog railway runs over the summit of the Brünig Pass (1008 m above sea level) from Lucerne to Meiringen and Interlaken. Text / Source: Interest Group for Alpine Passes IAP, PO Box 11, 6491 Realp https://www.alpen-paesse.ch/alpenpaesse/bruenigpass/
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This side road to Brünig has a short stretch of gravel, about 200m-300m, the rest is asphalt or concrete. No problem going up and down with a gravel bike or mountain bike. Racers with 30 or 28 inch wheels should also be fine, but probably not with an aero racer. But it is certainly a good alternative to the main pass road.
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The Renggpass is located at 885 meters above sea level, exactly between the two cantons of Nidwalden and Obwalden. From here you can look down about 450 meters to Lake Lucerne.
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The path/climb from here over the back to the Chrummhorn is steep and spectacular... ;-)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain passes around Kerns are easily accessible by public transport?
The Brünig Pass is unique for having a train station at its summit, making it very accessible. This allows visitors to reach the pass conveniently and enjoy its amenities, including an inn.
What mountain passes near Kerns are recommended for mountain biking?
For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Jochpass Flow Trail is highly recommended. It connects the cantons of Bern and Nidwalden and is known for its dedicated flow trail, offering an exciting experience for cyclists.
Are there scenic routes for motorists or motorcyclists around Kerns?
Yes, the region offers several scenic drives. The Brünig Pass Scenic Route provides a quieter, mostly paved alternative to the main Brünig road. Further afield, passes like Susten Pass are praised for their scenic beauty with numerous bends and varied terrain.
Which mountain passes offer the best viewpoints of Lake Lucerne?
The Rengg Pass, located at 885 meters above sea level between Nidwalden and Obwalden, offers picturesque views down to Lake Lucerne, approximately 450 meters below. It's an appealing spot for those seeking scenic overlooks.
What historical significance do the mountain passes around Kerns hold?
The Brünig Pass has historical evidence dating back to 1304, serving as a crucial trade route, particularly for Sbrinz cheese. The Rengg Pass was also an important mule track and features remains of a medieval defensive wall, offering a historically rich hiking experience.
What kind of hiking opportunities are available near the mountain passes around Kerns?
The region around Kerns offers a wealth of hiking activities. You can find marked trails through picturesque valleys and to spectacular viewpoints. For specific routes, explore the Mountain Hikes around Kerns guide, which includes challenging routes like the Berghaus Jochpass loop or moderate options like the Melchsee – Höfli loop.
Are there family-friendly mountain passes or activities near Kerns?
The Brünig Pass is a popular meeting point for various visitors and features an inn where families can eat or stay overnight. Its accessibility by train also makes it convenient for families. Scenic drives through the passes can also be enjoyable for all ages.
Can I find amenities like cafes or restaurants at the mountain passes?
Yes, at the summit of the Brünig Pass, you'll find an inn where you can satisfy your hunger or even spend the night. This makes it a convenient stop for travelers.
What are some challenging climbs for cyclists in the region?
The Ascent to Grosse Scheidegg from Meiringen is a beautiful and challenging climb, with an average gradient of 8% and overcoming 1250 meters of elevation gain. The road from Schwarzwaldalp onwards is closed to normal traffic, offering a peaceful ride. The Nufenen Pass, though further afield, is also known as the highest pass entirely within Switzerland, offering a formidable ascent.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes around Kerns?
Visitors appreciate the diverse appeal of the mountain passes, from the dedicated flow trails for mountain bikers at Jochpass to the quiet, scenic routes like the Brünig Pass Scenic Route. The historical significance of passes like Brünig and Rengg, combined with breathtaking viewpoints and opportunities for hiking and driving, are frequently highlighted.
Are there gravel biking routes available near the mountain passes?
Yes, the area around Kerns offers gravel biking opportunities. You can explore routes like the Kernwald Forest — Gravel Path – Wichelsee loop from Dallenwil, or the Beautiful Forest and Moorland – View of Lake Sarnen loop from Kerns. More details can be found in the Gravel biking around Kerns guide.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes around Kerns?
The mountain passes are generally best visited from spring through autumn for hiking, cycling, and scenic drives, when the weather is milder and the passes are clear of snow. Some passes, like Grosse Scheidegg, have roads closed to normal traffic, making them particularly enjoyable in warmer months. Winter can offer different activities like winter hiking, but conditions vary.
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