Morgarten: History and Routes on Lake Ägeri

When planning a hotel stay in Morgarten, you can start by choosing between cultural history and routes on Lake Ägeri. Historic sites, a seasonal exhibition, and hiking and cycling routes offer different ways to spend your time here.

Morgarten’s History and the Monument

Morgarten is considered the site of the Confederates’ first battle for freedom. It took place on 15 November 1315 against a Habsburg army. In terms of location, design, size and form, the Morgarten Monument has no direct equivalent among other memorials in Switzerland. From there, the view stretches across Lake Ägeri and the Ägeri Valley, bringing history and landscape together at the monument.

Other places also offer a glimpse into the area’s history. The medieval Schwyz House stands on the historic site near Morgarten, with its core structure dating from 1176. The historic Morgarten shooting competition was first held in 1912. These dates mark different chapters: the Schwyz House’s core structure dates back to the Middle Ages, while the shooting competition was first held many centuries later.

Exhibitions and Historic Routes

The modern exhibition at the Morgarten Information Centre is open each year from April to mid-November. At the hamlet of Schornen, the Information Centre presents the story of the battle in a four-language multimedia show. A historic trail with seven animated stations leads from the Morgarten Monument, past the Information Centre, to the parish church in Sattel. The stations and multimedia show offer different ways to explore the history of the battle.

The Morgarten Trail runs between the church in Sattel and the Morgarten Monument on Lake Ägeri. On the historic trail, the Information Centre and seven animated stations are part of the route described; on the Morgarten Trail, the church and monument are its two endpoints. The different names and route details help you keep track of the relevant landmarks.

Hiking and Cycling on Lake Ägeri

The hiking route on Lake Ägeri has specific details for length, duration and itinerary: it is 8.5 kilometres long, takes two hours and runs from Unterägeri via Morgarten, Naas and Bergmatt back to Unterägeri. The Ägeri Valley Panorama Trail includes a section from Raten to Morgarten. It passes through shaded forest stretches and across open pastures before reaching the Morgarten Monument. You can choose the stages of the Panorama Trail to suit your preferences.

The two hiking descriptions therefore offer different planning details: the route on Lake Ägeri has a clearly defined itinerary and duration, while you can choose the stages of the Panorama Trail to suit your preferences. If you are planning a particular hike, check the current route conditions in advance.

The Ägeri Lake–Morgarten family cycling route runs from Unterägeri along the shore of Lake Ägeri to Morgarten. It is almost flat and follows well-maintained paths; there are picnic spots along the route. Unlike the hiking route on Lake Ägeri, which returns to Unterägeri via Naas and Bergmatt, this cycling route is described as a ride from Unterägeri to Morgarten. This means you can take into account not only the mode of transport but also the route when making your choice.

For the wider travel overview: Oberägeri.