Weesen on Lake Walen: History and Linth Promenade

Weesen lies on the western shore of Lake Walen and beside the Linth Canal. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay here, it is worth first asking which part of the town you want to shape your trip: the town’s history, a walk along the Linth, or a boat trip across Lake Walen. These priorities can be planned in detail around local sights and routes.

Weesen between the lake and the Linth

The original natural landscape around Weesen and Amden is part of the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments (BLN) and is protected. As part of the Linth correction project, the Maag, which connected Lake Walen and the Linth, was replaced by the Linth Canal. The level of Lake Walen was lowered by about five metres. This created a broad shore zone between the old town of Weesen and the lake.

The Old Town, history and museum

The historic town, also known as the Städtli, lies on the Riviera of Lake Walen and is characterised by historic buildings. After 1283, Weesen was owned by the Habsburgs and was an important customs and transshipment centre. A short walk through the town offers an introduction to its history. The medieval wall remains in Staadpark were restored in 2017 and opened to the public.

The Museum & Gallery Weesen features a permanent exhibition about Weesen in Roman times. The medieval town, which was destroyed in 1388, is also a subject of the museum. The attic houses a collection of 19th-century paintings, watercolours and drawings from the Lake Walen region. Several periods of history thus come together in the town: Roman Weesen, the medieval town and regional art from the 19th century.

Local cultural and architectural landmarks include the Catholic parish church of St. Martin, the former town of Weesen with its harbour, and the Dominican convent of «Maria Zuflucht».

Exploring the Linth

For a waterside walk, the Linth Promenade offers a clearly marked route: it runs barrier-free from Ziegelbrücke along the Linth to Weesen. In Weesen, it starts at the harbour and ends at the Weesen See bus stop. From the promenade, views extend to the Glarus Alps and, in Weesen, across Lake Walen. The walk through the Old Town focuses on local history, while the promenade puts the Linth, the Alps and the lake centre stage. If you plan to follow the route, check local conditions beforehand.

Boat trips and boat rental

Between spring and autumn, boats operate on the route from Weesen via Quinten to Walenstadt; the Lake Walen boat service calls at Weesen landing stage. If you are planning a trip, check the current timetable in advance. Bootsvermietung Weesen rents boats to visitors with or without a boating licence. Check the specific rental conditions before renting. The boat service is seasonal; boat rental is a separate way to enjoy Lake Walen yourself.

Discover more destinations: Hintergoldingen, Amden, Rapperswil-Jona, Uznach, Gommiswald, Ernetschwil, Goldingen, Schmerikon

Go to the main travel overview: See-Gaster.