Ernen is a municipality in the district of Goms in the canton of Valais in Switzerland . In 2005 Ernen incorporated the formerly independent municipalities of Ausserbinn , Mühlebach, and Steinhaus.

In 1979, Ernen was awarded the Wakker Prize for the preservation of its architectural heritage.

Ernen is first mentioned in 1214 as Aragnon. In 1220 it was mentioned as Arengnon and in 1510 it was Aernen.

Ernen has an area, as of 2011, of 35.4 square kilometers (13.7 sq mi).