Lungern Travel Guide
City Alpine village by Lake Lungern, scenic Obwalden setting
On Lake Lungern’s shore with a backdrop of alpine ridges, Lungern invites swimmers, paddleboarders and hikers; mountain inns, cable cars and lakeside terraces make for straightforward access to Swiss hiking and seasonal markets.
Why Visit Lungern? #
Tucked beside a deep-blue mountain lake and the Brünig Pass, Lungern is a picture of alpine life where mountain sports and tranquil vistas converge. Lungerersee’s clear water and lakeside promenade set the scene for boating, hiking and summer swimming, while winter brings pistes and cross-country trails. Traditional Swiss chalet architecture and hearty alpine fare-think cheese fondue and rösti-are on offer in village inns. Outdoor-first travelers appreciate the easy access to central Switzerland’s mountain routes.
Top Things to Do in Lungern
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- Lungerersee (Lake Lungern) - Relax at Lungerersee's shore, swim in clear water and enjoy mountain reflections.
- Brünig Pass / Brienzer Rothorn - Ride the Brünig pass road to reach Brienzer Rothorn railway and alpine panoramas.
- Lungern village centre - Wander Lungern's village centre, visit the lakeside chapel and traditional wooden houses.
- Lungererbach riverside paths - Follow quieter riverside paths along the Lungererbach for peaceful forest and stream scenery.
- Sarnersee nearby - Short walk to nearby Sarnersee for calmer swimming spots and picnic areas.
- Mountain dairy hut visits - Visit a mountain dairy hut to sample fresh alpine cheese and watch cheesemaking.
- Interlaken - Drive to Interlaken for adventure sports, lakes Thun and Brienz and mountain access.
- Lucerne - Visit Lucerne's Chapel Bridge, Old Town and lakeside promenades for city charm.
Best Time to Visit Lungern #
Visit Lungern from late spring to early autumn (June-September) for mild mountain weather, hiking and lake activities. Winters are snowy and ideal for alpine sports and cozy stays.
Best Time to Visit Lungern #
Lungern's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1398 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Lungern
Lungern lies on the Brünig line in Obwalden and is well served by the Zentralbahn rail link between Lucerne and Interlaken. Most visitors arrive via Lucerne (connected from Zurich) and continue by regional train directly to Lungern.
Zurich Airport (ZRH): The main international airport for central Switzerland; from Zurich Airport take a direct train to Lucerne (about 1 hour, fare typically CHF 13-30) and then a regional Zentralbahn train from Lucerne to Lungern (about 35-45 minutes).
Bern Airport / Zurich (alternatives): Bern has limited scheduled flights; arriving via Zurich or Geneva then connecting by train to Lucerne is the usual route. From Lucerne, the Brünig line (operated by Zentralbahn) serves Lungern directly - total transfer from Zurich ~1.5-2 hours depending on connections.
Train: Lungern is on the Zentralbahn Brünig line between Lucerne and Interlaken; trains run regularly and the trip from Lucerne is about 35-45 minutes. The Lucerne main station is the principal interchange for intercity travellers.
Bus: Local PostAuto buses link Lungern with neighbouring villages and provide additional local connections; schedules complement the train service for shorter local hops and mountain access (fares are zone/time based).
How to Get Around Lungern #
Lungern is a small lakeside village that’s very walkable; the lakeshore, village centre and nearby trails are easily reached on foot. The town is served by regional rail and bus connections to neighbouring Swiss towns, and cycling is popular in fair weather. Public transport in the area is reliable; short regional fares are moderate, and parking is available if you travel by car, though space can be tight in peak season.
Where to Stay in Lungern #
Where to Eat in Lungern #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Lungern's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Lungern #
Nightlife in Lungern is quiet and centered on guesthouses, hotel bars and a few local restaurants. There are no clubs or late-night music venues; evenings are relaxed and family-friendly. If you’re seeking more active nightlife, larger neighbouring towns offer more choices.
Shopping in Lungern #
Shopping in Lungern is limited to small local shops, bakeries and convenience stores serving residents and visitors. There aren’t department stores or big malls in town, so bring any specialised items with you or visit larger towns nearby. Souvenir and regional food stalls appear in peak season around tourist sites.
