At the Hohle Gasse stands today’s Tell Chapel, built in 1638; along the Seebodenalp Glacier Trail, 15 information panels tell the story of traces from the Ice Age. The district of Küssnacht includes the villages of Küssnacht, Immensee and Merlischachen, the hamlet of Haltikon and the Seebodenalp. The Rigi is also located within the district. This means you can discover different facets during your stay: architectural and village history, traditions and trails through the landscape.
Tell’s legacy and architectural history
The Hohle Gasse was extensively renovated in 2004 and 2005, and an information pavilion was added. The story surrounding William Tell is presented there in five languages. The Hohle Gasse is freely accessible year-round; nevertheless, check local conditions before your trip. Another historic site is Gesslerburg Castle: its first documented mention dates from 1263 and reads «in castro nostro Chüssenach». The castle is freely accessible year-round; access is via Seebodenstrasse. As access conditions may change temporarily, it is advisable to check before your visit.
The Queen Astrid Chapel commemorates Queen Astrid of Belgium, who was fatally injured in a car accident at this spot on 29 August 1935. In 1960, the chapel was moved to the lower side of the road, on the lakeshore, for road safety reasons. A public memorial service is held there every year on 29 August. If you would like to attend, check the arrangements for that year in advance.
The Chapel of St. Catherine, dating from 1636, stands in Haltikon. It is considered a valuable example of early modern sacred architecture shaped by rural influences. Its rich furnishings consist mainly of early Baroque and Baroque works, in which transitions between styles are visible. The Baroque parish church of St. Peter and Paul is also part of the district’s architectural history; it has been restored in keeping with its style.
Village history, museum and customs
Küssnacht has a historic village centre with wooden houses, the Unterdorf district and two town halls by the lake. The lakeside promenade is located where goods were once transferred and stored. A walk along the lake also offers a glimpse into a chapter of local commercial history.
The Küssnacht Local History Museum presents the development of the three villages through historical themes. These include early settlement, the transition to the canton of Schwyz and the attempt to establish a separate canton. An audiovisual presentation covers Klausjagen and Sennenchilbi; Sennenchilbi takes place every six years. Groups can also visit the museum outside official opening hours, including in winter, by arranging a visit by email. Please arrange such a visit in advance.
Küssnacht’s Klausjagen is an annual St Nicholas custom that attracts around 20,000 visitors. This makes it a distinctive feature among local traditions. If you would like to experience the custom, plan around the date for the year in question and check the latest event information.
Hiking between panoramic views and traces of the Ice Age
Two distinct themes cater to different hiking interests. The Seebodenalp Glacier Trail is an informative circular route with 15 panels about traces of the Ice Age. The full circuit takes about an hour and a half; the duration may vary depending on conditions. The mountainside section is steep in places and requires sturdy footwear. The Panorama Walk offers a different focus: it follows official hiking trails from the edge of the village of Küssnacht towards St. Martin’s Chapel and back to the village.
Depending on the weather and visibility, you can see the Rigi, the surrounding mountains, Lake Lucerne and Lake Zug from the Panorama Walk. The trails pass flowering meadows, hedges with small-scale habitats, fruit-growing areas and traditional tall-standard fruit orchards. Depending on the season, you may spot birds, insects and various plant species there. If you are primarily looking for traces of the Ice Age and a circular route, the Glacier Trail is the main option; the Panorama Walk has a different focus, with its views and seasonal nature observations.
A hike on the Waldstätterweg also begins in Küssnacht am Rigi and offers views of Lake Küssnacht, the Rigi and peaks in Central Switzerland. The Küssnacht area also has a pre-Alpine network of hiking and biking trails. The options range from a themed circular walk on the Seebodenalp to trails with lake and mountain views.
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