Gisikon on the Reuss: Nature, Trails and History

On the Reuss, Gisikon is characterised by diverse and varied natural surroundings; it also offers magnificent views of the mountains. Highlights for a stay include the Rontaler Höhenweg, the Feldhof Nature Reserve and the Kneipp Garden. The town’s history can also be seen in various places and buildings.

Nature and trails in Gisikon

The former Feldhof gravel pit is a nationally important amphibian spawning site and an important breeding ground for five amphibian species: the edible frog, common frog, common toad, fire salamander and alpine newt. A pleasant hiking trail for all ages leads through the Feldhof Nature Reserve and ends at the Gisikon Kneipp Garden. The garden is located right at the edge of the nature reserve. The route described therefore passes through Feldhof and has a clearly designated endpoint at the Kneipp Garden.

A longer hiking option is the approximately 14-kilometre Rontaler Höhenweg. It passes through Gisikon, Root, Dierikon, Ebikon and Honau. You can join or leave the trail at various bus stops and use public transport. Check the timetable before your trip. A stage of the Rontaler circular route also runs through the Rontal area, along the renaturalised Ron between Ebikon and Root.

Kneipp Garden and Treff 6038

The Gisikon Kneipp Garden offers water treading, an arm bath, a Kneipp fountain, a pouring station, a barefoot path and a Kneipp lounger. Kneipp activities for children are also available, and the Kneipp pavilion can be rented. For one-off visits, you can pay on site in cash or with Twint. Various guided tours about Kneipp practices and the garden can be booked through the municipality’s room reservation system. Check the availability of the tours before your trip.

Treff 6038 is a self-service café with a playroom and a book corner. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest information about what’s on offer in advance. The Fritigs-Treff takes place at Treff 6038 on several Fridays throughout the year. It features food, art and Fyrobig beer, under the motto “Fine food & more”. As the frequency and format of the programme may vary, it’s a good idea to check the latest dates and programme information before visiting.

Local history and remembrance

Gisikon was first mentioned around 1270/80 in the rent roll of the Cistercian convent of Rathausen; Walther von Gisinkon is listed in it as a benefactor. The town was an important bridgehead for regional traffic from the Seetal and the Freie Ämter, as well as for long-distance traffic from the Black Forest via Schaffhausen and Baden to Lucerne and the Gotthard.

A stele beside the municipal administration building commemorates the Battle of Gisikon during the Sonderbund War of 1847. The customs house, built in 1847/48 and now home to the Gasthof Tell, is also associated with a specific date. The first mention around 1270/80 predates these events of the 1840s by a considerable margin; it offers a different perspective on the town’s history from the commemoration of the battle or the customs house.

Getting there and getting around

Gisikon has a railway station and a bus stop. There is also a nearby motorway connection towards Lucerne, Zug and Zurich. Hikers can use public transport at various bus stops along the Rontaler Höhenweg. This allows you to distinguish between planning your journey to Gisikon and finding your way along the trail, while keeping the approximate length of the Höhenweg in mind.

Discover more destinations: Greppen, Horw, Rigi Kaltbad, Malters, Adligenswil, Weggis, Buchrain, Meggen.

For the main travel overview: Lucerne.