Castle history, forest trails, art on Lake Lucerne and winemaking give Meggen its distinctive character. When planning a visit, it is worth considering what interests you most: the nature trails vary considerably in length and theme, while historic buildings and the Schlossgut estate offer glimpses into different eras.
Meggenhorn Castle and Historic Architecture
Meggenhorn Castle stands on a promontory above the Lucerne lake basin and is surrounded by a park. The Schlossgut estate has been open to the public since it was acquired by the municipality of Meggen in 1974; the park is open to the public year-round. You can reach the castle by bicycle, on foot or by boat. Parking is limited. From Lucerne railway station, take bus number 24 to the LerchenbĂĽhl stop; from there, a signposted path takes about 15 minutes to reach the castle.
The castle took its present form between 1868 and 1870, modelled on the Château de Chambord on the Loire. The neo-Gothic castle chapel dates from 1886. In the museum, private living quarters, documentary audio recordings and exhibitions introduce the castle’s history and its former residents. Guided tours offer insights into the life of the 19th-century nobility and the Frey-Baumann owner family.
The Pius Church offers another glimpse into architectural history: Swiss architect Franz FĂĽeg had it built to his designs from 1964 to 1966. The windowless church is made of Greek marble; its 888 slabs were cut and polished in Carrara. Villa St. Charles Hall was built in the neo-Baroque style from 1921 onwards. Its extensive grounds include ornate statues; the villa and park are protected as heritage sites by the canton. A tour lasting around 45 minutes covers the history of the estate and its builders and owners. The villa regularly hosts public and private events.
Smaller religious buildings and historic sites also tell the story of Meggen’s past. The Magdalenenkirche was built in 1776 and 1777 by Austrian master builder Jacob Singer; a fourth bell was added to its peal in 1820. The chapel «Our Lady of the Platten» was built in 1520 on a sandstone slab, which gave it its name. It was once a popular pilgrimage site, as numerous votive paintings attest. The English Cemetery was established in 1874 by Adolph Brandt, an Englishman living in Lucerne, as the final resting place for his daughter, who died young. The cemetery includes a chapel in the English Gothic Revival style; the cemetery is protected as a heritage site at federal level. Check access arrangements separately before visiting.
Trails in Meggerwald
Meggerwald stretches across Meggen, Adligenswil, Udligenswil and Küssnacht, and over two cantons. Its trails offer views of the Alps and the lake; at the same time, the forest has high biodiversity and includes protected fens and amphibian spawning grounds. Those interested in native flora and the tree species found in the forest can explore these topics on the approximately 1.7-kilometre nature trail, which forms a loop. Take bus number 24 to the Tschädigen stop; from there, a signposted path takes about ten minutes to reach the trail’s information board.
The Megger Fröschenweg offers a different perspective. It follows the habitat of the common frog, runs largely through Meggerwald and takes about an hour; the trail is suitable for pushchairs. It starts at the Badhof restaurant and ends at Felseli. To return, you can walk to the Badhof restaurant or take the bus. The nature trail and Fröschenweg therefore differ both in theme and stated duration: one is an approximately 1.7-kilometre educational loop, while the other is an approximately one-hour tour exploring the common frog’s habitat.
For a longer loop around the village, the Megger Discovery Tour, which is more than 15 kilometres long, links viewpoints, historical insights, ponds, remarkable trees and stately homes. Another longer option is the hike «Via Meggen to Dietschiberg», described as easy: it is 15.26 kilometres long and runs from the centre of Meggen to Lucerne railway station. The route was listed in 2026; trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check for current information before setting out.
Art, Lido and Winemaking
Benzeholz regularly hosts contemporary art exhibitions right on Lake Lucerne. Since 1989, Benzeholz has shown painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and installations, particularly by artists from Central Switzerland. The protected historic fishing village of Benzeholz is also home to Badi Meggen, a public lido with a sunbathing lawn, sandy beach and cabins available to rent. The public bathing facility has been here since 1906.
Winemaking is also part of the town’s history. A document from 1585 attests to this long tradition; today, important vineyards are located in Sitenrain, by Meggenhorn Castle and in Letten. The Sitenrain winery practises organic viticulture on 5.5 hectares in Meggen and offers wine tastings featuring specialities from the region and Sicily. Art and winemaking thus complement the historical and landscape-related themes, without requiring the same kind of visit.
Discover more destinations: Dierikon, Schachen, Kriens, Weggis, Root, Schwarzenberg, Horw, Lucerne.
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