Discover Lauerz on Lake Lauerz

Lauerz lies in the Pre-Alps at the northeastern foot of the Rigi, directly on Lake Lauerz. The village and political municipality belong to the district of Schwyz in the canton of the same name. When planning a stay, you can choose different focuses: Schwanau Island and the village church, lake activities, or paths through the moorland and marsh landscape.

Lauerz between the Rigi and the lake

Schwanau Island lies in Lake Lauerz and belongs to the municipality of Lauerz. It is accessible only by ferry; check the ferry service before your trip. The island is home to Schwanau Castle ruins and a small chapel. The lower part of the keep dates back to the Kyburg period; it is believed to have been built between 1200 and 1240. The castle was most likely destroyed by fire around 1250.

Those interested in the island’s history can join a historical tour featuring facts and legends about Schwanau by booking in advance. The Schwanau Restaurant serves regional specialities, occasionally refined with exotic spices. Check whether the restaurant is open before visiting.

St. Nicholas and local history

St. Nicholas Parish Church stands in the village centre. Its history spans several phases of construction: a chapel dedicated to St. Theodul is documented from 1480 as a chapel affiliated with the parish of Schwyz. After a fire, it was rebuilt in 1508; a new St. Nicholas Church was built on the site in 1675. The predecessor building was almost completely destroyed in the Goldau landslide of 1806. The church was rebuilt on the same site and consecrated in 1810.

Inside, the church displays Baroque architecture, while the pulpit and side altars are designed in a light Rococo style. The visible furnishings thus reflect a history of construction that spans the earlier chapel, the new church and its reconstruction after the landslide.

Marsh landscape and natural environment

Around Lauerz, the Lauerzersee-Sägel-Schutt nature reserve encompasses forests, species-rich wet meadows, semi-dry grasslands and ponds. The area is an important resting and breeding ground for birds. The Seerosenweiher pond can be reached via a wooden walkway; damp marsh meadows with colourful orchids stretch as far as Lake Lauerz. To protect the sensitive birdlife, stay on the designated paths.

The moorland between Goldau and Lauerz also shapes the surrounding area. Its unspoilt beauty and exceptional value as a natural environment are the reasons for its national significance. The combination of marsh meadows and traces of the 1806 Goldau landslide gives the landscape its distinctive character.

Lake activities and fishing

The lakeside bathing area is right in the middle of the village. Facilities include a lawn shaded by trees, barbecue spots with dining tables and a children’s playground. Check the facilities before your visit. Lake Lauerz is also suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, as there is little traffic from boats or passenger vessels; conditions on the lake can vary.

Shore fishing is permitted under the free-fishing rights with a free-fishing permit and proof of sufficient knowledge to fish in an animal-friendly manner. Fishing on Lake Lauerz is permitted year-round from 04:00 to 23:00. From a boat, fishing for carp, burbot and pike-perch is also permitted between 23:00 and 04:00. Fishing regulations may change, so check the cantonal rules in advance.

Hikes with different stated durations

The “Bergsturzspur” route leads from Lauerz through the Sägel nature reserve and the Schuttwald forest, past traces of the landslide, to the village of Goldau. It is 10 kilometres long; the Lauerz–Goldau (Gnipen) section is stated to take about 4 hours and 20 minutes. The “WanderWunder Schwyz: Through the Sägel-Schutt Nature Reserve” hike is rated easy, is 4.4 kilometres long and takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. It can be started in Lauerz and leads through a marsh landscape to Lauerz Church; you can take the bus from Lauerz back to the starting point. The stated durations refer to differently named route sections or tours.

Another tour leads from the lake to Rigi Scheidegg, climbing steadily through meadows and forest. Return on foot or by gondola to Chräbel, by cogwheel railway to Goldau and by bus to Lauerz. Check trail conditions before setting out and the operating times of public transport for your return journey.

At Zebuhof in Lauerz, golf has been played on a seven-hole course covering about 3.5 hectares since June 2013. Check the season dates and group conditions in advance.

Getting here and choosing a hotel

Bus route 501 connects Lauerz with the Arth-Goldau and Schwyz railway stations and serves several stops in the village. Check the timetable for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Oberiberg, Stoos, Sattel, Rothenthurm, Rickenbach Bei Schwyz, Brunnen, Steinen, Schwyz

Return to the main travel overview: Schwyz.