Küssnacht combines lakes, traditions and a seasonal winter tour. This is relevant when choosing when to travel: the main Klausjagen procession takes place on a recurring date in December, while the guided snowshoe tour depends on the weather and winter conditions. The local history museum and the Hohle Gasse add historical and cultural themes to these events. This lets you first decide whether a particular event, local history or a winter experience should be the deciding factor.
Lakes and municipal geography
Küssnacht lies largely on the shores of Lake Küssnacht, the northern arm of Lake Lucerne, and on the southwestern shore of Lake Zug. This location connects the town with two lakes, each of which shapes a different stretch of shoreline. Rigi is also part of the geographical picture: it lies just within the municipality, along its southeastern boundary. At 1,797 m above sea level, Rigi Kulm is the highest point in the municipality.
Two historical dates offer insight into the town’s history: a Schwyz customs post operated in Küssnacht from 1383, and in 1424 residents swore allegiance to the land rights of Schwyz. These details point to different stages in the town’s history and add context to Küssnacht as it is today, on the lake.
Getting there and transport
Küssnacht is connected to Lucerne by the Lucerne–Immensee railway line, the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company, main road 2 (Seeburgstrasse and Luzernerstrasse), and motorway 4 (exit 36). The options therefore include rail, boat and road. If you plan to travel by train or boat, check the timetable for your dates. When travelling for a festival or a winter tour, it helps to choose a suitable time first and then plan your journey around it.
Klausjagen and the local history museum
The Küssnacht Klausjagen is an annual tradition. The main procession is scheduled to take place every year on 5 December at 8:15 p.m. in the village centre of Küssnacht am Rigi. Adjustments are planned when the event falls on a weekend. Check the specific date and route before travelling, as route details may change.
The Küssnacht local history museum offers insight into life and history in the Küssnacht district. It presents the development of the three villages across a range of thematic areas and showcases the folk customs of Klausjagen and Sennenchilbi in an audiovisual presentation. This means the customs are presented not only as individual dates on the calendar, but also in the context of the district’s history and development. They follow distinctly different schedules: Klausjagen returns every year, while Sennenchilbi takes place every six years during the carnival season. Check the specific dates before planning your trip around either event.
Hohle Gasse and snowshoe tour
The Hohle Gasse is associated with the traditional story that William Tell shot the bailiff Gessler there. It includes a pavilion with an information display that starts at the press of a button. A parallel path provides access to the Hohle Gasse for wheelchair users. As visitor facilities and installations may change, it is worth checking current access arrangements and the information display before your visit.
At Seebodenalp, the season takes centre stage. The guided snowshoe tour follows untouched trails and passes through snow-covered forests; it is offered from December to March, and conditions depend on the weather. The tour begins after the cable car ride from Küssnacht to Seebodenalp. The winter experience also includes the option of warming up with fondue in a cosy restaurant. Check tour dates, weather conditions and restaurant arrangements before planning, as these may change.
Discover more destinations: Merlischachen, Immensee.
Back to the overarching travel overview: Küssnacht.
