Ernen: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
In the Swiss canton of Valais, Ernen is perfect for active recreation. The quiet village is picturesquely situated on a terrace above the Rhone Valley and is part of the Binntal Landscape Park, which invites you to hike, mountain bike, and cross-country ski in unspoiled nature. Amidst an idyllic mountain world, the place hosts the renowned classical music festival Musikdorf Ernen every year.
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Ernen - Must-see attractions
Binntal Nature Park
Far in the Swiss south, the Binntal Nature Park near Ernen invites you to exciting nature hikes. Be equally enchanted by the green forest areas and the lush flower meadows. Learn more about regional farming culture in the hamlets. The Binntal Nature Park is considered a real insider tip in Valais. The area is known for its wealth of minerals and flowers with high biodiversity. On hikes over the mountain ridge and on the high terraces, you will discover generous alpine pastures with rustic dairies.
Village Ernen
You can reach Ernen by first traveling with the Matterhorn-Gotthard-Bahn from Brig to Fiesch. From Fiesch, there is a post bus connection to Ernen. The Tellenhaus in the village center is notable, with Tell frescoes visible on its facade. Ernen is part of the Binntal Landscape Park. Here, you can enjoy wonderful hikes and admire the Valais nature in all its diversity. The place is also known as a music village: Since the 1970s, music courses and a festival have been held here every summer.
Goms Suspension Bridge
The Goms suspension bridge is accessible year-round. Due to the magnificent panoramas offered from the bridge, it attracts numerous hikers and cyclists. At a height of 92 meters, the larch wood planks lead over the wild Rotten. In Fürgangen, standing places are available if you wish to make a short visit to the bridge. The Rottenweg, the Gommer Höhenweg, and the cantonal cycle path Gletsch-Genfersee connect to the suspension bridge. There is also a connection to the Binntal Landscape Park.
Alpine Cheese Dairy Chäserstatt
In the warm season, Chäserstatt invites hiking-loving families. A varied hike leads up from Mühlebach. You hike over lush blooming alpine meadows along the shady spruce forest. Along the way, you enjoy a magnificent view of the Rhône Valley and the Goms. At the top, a mountain restaurant awaits, where you can refresh yourself with regional delicacies after the climb. While you enjoy your view with a coffee, your little ones delight in the petting zoo with a tipi and romp around the playground.
Church Ernen
The listed monument church in Ernen was built in its current form between 1510 and 1518 on the foundations of an early Romanesque basilica. The impressive interior includes the magnificently decorated high altar consecrated in 1765, the intricately carved choir stalls, and the richly gilded canopy pulpit. An unparalleled auditory delight is an organ concert in St. George. Listen to the harmonious tones of the instrument from the year 1679. Also visit the festival starting in early June with renowned performers and orchestras in the fields of piano, jazz, baroque, and chamber music.
Stoneman Glacier
The mountain bike route Stoneman Glaciara is particularly known for its challenging climbs and breathtaking alpine scenery in Switzerland. The route generally takes riders through a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rocky terrain. It offers stunning views of glaciers, mountain peaks, and valleys. Riders can choose between different levels of difficulty and complete the route in several stages or all at once, depending on their skill and fitness level.
Ernen - Secret spots
Tellenhaus of Ernen
In the music village of Ernen in Valais is the rustic Tellenhaus. Structurally, the wooden house does not differ at all from the other houses that frame the village square—except for one important detail. The Tellenhaus is adorned with the oldest dated Tell frescoes, depicting scenes from the life of the Swiss national hero Wilhelm Tell.
Regional Museum Binn
In about 20 minutes by car from Ernen in Valais, you can reach the Regional Museum Binn. Here, everything revolves around the precious minerals, the treasure of the Valais Alps. The museum, opened in 1983, is housed in a building from the early 20th century. In addition to the mineral collection, archaeological artifacts are also on display.
Swiss Radiator Museum
The Swiss Strahler Museum is located between Brig and Ernen in the canton of Valais. It is dedicated to the sparkling mountain crystals and the search for them, known as "Strahlen." The museum opened in the summer of 2018 and offers unique insights into the world of glittering minerals. Visitors are welcome from June to October.
Wood settlement in Mühlebach
In Mühlebach, a part of the municipality of Ernen in the canton of Valais, is the oldest wooden settlement in Switzerland. The earliest building in the quaint village center is a barn from the year 1381, and the newest house was built just a century later. The 280-meter-long suspension bridge over the Lamma Gorge begins at Mühlebach.
Ernen - In 3 days
Day 1
Start your vacation with an initial tour of Ernen. The holiday resort, with only about 500 inhabitants, delights with its tranquil charm and houses in typical alpine style. In the middle of the historic town center stands the Zenden Town Hall from the 18th century. It houses a small exhibition about the medieval Cardinal Matthäus Schiner, who was born in Ernen. You can also take a look into a historical torture chamber. Also worth seeing is the Tellenhaus - in reference to Wilhelm Tell - from the 16th century. It is exciting for art enthusiasts, as it is adorned with equally old frescoes featuring the motif of the apple shot. These are said to be the oldest frescoes with this motif in all of Switzerland. Your walk concludes in the Ernen district of Mühlebach at the chapel of the same name. The small chapel from the 17th century stands on a hill and offers a beautiful panoramic view of your holiday destination to end the day.
Day 2
The second day is all about exploring the surroundings around Ernen through sports. From the neighboring village of Fiesch on the opposite side of the Rhone, take the cable car to Fiescheralp at an altitude of 2,212 meters. The panoramic view over the peaks of Ticino and, of course, the view of your holiday destination Ernen is spectacular. Start relaxed pleasure hikes with the whole family around the summit from Fiescheralp. In the cold season, the slopes offer fantastic opportunities for sledding. Fiesch is part of the Aletsch Arena / Riederalp - Bettmeralp - Fiesch-Eggishorn ski area. It has about 100 kilometers of slopes. With their predominantly easy and medium levels, the runs are ideal for a winter sports holiday with children. Adventurous ones can try the freeride slopes. Enjoy the winter tranquility of nature with snow hikes around Fiescheralp in a completely relaxed manner.
Day 3
The third day around Ernen starts with a small adventure visit to the suspension bridge between the Ernen district of Mühlebach and the village of Fürgangen on the other side of the Rhone. At 280 meters in length, the bridge provides a dizzying pedestrian connection between the two places over the river. Back in Mühlebach, you take a detour to the Gallows Hill. The name is fitting for this historic site. At this former high court site, you can admire three original pillars of a former gallows. In the afternoon, a family-friendly hike through the Magic Forest is on the agenda. This is an adventure playground in the middle of the forest on the outskirts of Ernen, which you can explore on a small themed hike with the mascot squirrel Brüna and 20 exciting adventure stations like a barefoot path. There is a climbing wall, slides, and swing bridges. The barbecue areas with picnic benches are perfect for a break during playing and romping with the whole family.