On the shores of Lake Lucerne, Gersau tells an unusual political story: for many centuries, the town was an independent microstate in a lasting association with the Swiss Confederation. At the same time, the municipality extends from the lakeshore up the slopes of Mount Rigi to the Rigi Scheidegg viewing terrace at 1,656 metres. This combination of lakeshore, local history and mountain trails gives a stay in Gersau several distinct dimensions.
The history of the “old free republic”
The Gersau Local History Museum is housed in the Old Town Hall, a building erected in 1745, and opened in 1984. Its exhibits explore the microstate’s past, including its own army and judiciary, as well as the history of silk in Gersau. A photo exhibition focuses on the Stradivari instruments of the Habisreutinger Foundation; permanent exhibitions cover Josef Maria Camenzind and Benno Ammann. The museum also features information about Swedish national author August Strindberg and an exhibition on tourism in earlier times. The displays may change.
Architecture and political history come together in the council chamber of the Old Town Hall, which is now decorated in the Louis XVI style. The tiled stove, dated 1788 and signed by Johann Jost Nigg, is richly painted in the Rococo style. The Old Town Hall also displays a copy of the imperial charter of 31 October 1433. With it, Emperor Sigismund confirmed the Gersau people’s ancient freedoms and rights. Visitors who prefer to explore the village with historical context can book a guided tour. It covers the history of the former “old free republic,” the distinctive church, the Old Town Hall and imposing mansions. Check the dates before your visit.
The Baroque parish church of St. Marzellus is one of Gersau’s historic buildings. Together with the town hall and the mansions, it offers another glimpse into the town’s architectural history. The local museum is listed as open from May to October, on Saturdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Check these hours before your visit.
From the lakeshore to the heights of Mount Rigi
Lake Lucerne near Gersau offers opportunities for swimming, sailing and windsurfing. Seasonal facilities at Cholplatz lido include a large non-swimmer pool with a waterslide and sandbox, as well as a 3-metre diving tower. There is also a beach volleyball court and a stand-up paddleboard rental station. As this is a seasonal lido, it is advisable to check opening hours before your visit.
The trails also reveal how far Gersau extends from the lakeshore into the slopes of Mount Rigi. The Rigi Scheidegg trail leads from Gersau to Rigi Scheidegg. The route is listed as 8 kilometres long, taking 3 hours and 50 minutes, with an ascent of 1,250 metres; check the route details before setting out. Along the way, the trail passes Gersau’s silk factory, a geological information panel and the water intake that generates electricity for the silk factory. It passes alpine farms inhabited year-round, crosses Gersau Alp with its lush alpine pastures, and then reaches Rigi Burggeist and Rigi Scheidegg.
Another hiking stage forms part of the Waldstätterweg: it runs from Brunnen via Gersau to Vitznau, first along the lakeshore and then through Oberholz forest. A winter visit offers different options. Near Rigi Burggeist, there are 5 kilometres of groomed slopes for skiing and snowboarding, as well as children’s ski lifts at Scheidegg and Burggeist. Snowshoe trails are also available there. Sledges and snowshoes can be rented at the mountain station of the Obergschwend–Rigi Burggeist aerial cableway; there is also a sled run from Rigi Burggeist. Check operating status and rental equipment availability before your trip.
The valley station of the Obergschwend–Rigi Burggeist aerial cableway is 4 kilometres above Gersau. It can be reached by private car via a mountain road or by mountain bus. Check the latest operating and access conditions before setting out.
Music, village life and local cuisine
Events also add their own highlights throughout the year. The annual music festival “Der Herbst” in Gersau features Swiss and international artists. StradivariFEST is also held every year for music lovers. Check the programmes and dates for both events before your trip.
A local speciality is Gersau cheese tart, baked in a steam oven, which the Traube restaurant in Gersau is known for. Check whether the cheese tart is currently on the menu before your trip. This allows you to shape your stay around very different interests: the former republic and its buildings, trails between the lakeshore and Mount Rigi, or seasonal activities and music events.
Discover more destinations: Gersau, Gersau, Einsiedeln, Höfe, March, Schwyz, Küssnacht.
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