March reveals itself through contrasts: wetlands on Lake Zurich, the elongated Buchberg hill, and trails with views of the lake and the Alps. The district in the canton of Schwyz comprises mainly the southern shore of Lake Obersee and Wägital. As a result, different landscapes and traces of history come together in the region.
Wetlands, Lake and Molasse Hills
Nuoler Ried lies between Nuolen and Wangen-Lachen airfield on the upper part of Lake Zurich. The wetland is also a breeding ground; Eurasian curlews and lapwings, among others, breed here. Since 1980, the marsh has been a cantonal nature reserve and is also listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance.
The marsh has gravel-covered and paved paths used by walkers, inline skaters, cyclists, horse riders and nature lovers. Buchberg, also known as Buechberg, offers a different kind of landscape: this elongated Molasse hill lies between Uznach and Nuolen and rises more than 200 metres above Lake Zurich. The marsh and the hill show two different sides of the landscape, without requiring you to follow a single tour.
Two Hikes, Two Different Experiences
The March Panorama Trail is a 21.4-kilometre summer hike with a stated walking time of around 5 hours and 55 minutes. It begins with a section through Wägital and then offers views of Lake Zurich and Säntis. The stated season runs from April to October. The starting point is the Vorderthal Sonne bus stop; you can get there by taking the SOB or SBB to Siebnen/Wangen, then bus route 523. Check connections before setting off.
The Wägital Bockmattli hike starts in Innerthal at Lake Wägital. The route passes the imposing limestone walls of the Bockmattli towers and continues to Bockmattli Hut. It is suitable for active hikers and families. While the valley section and distant views shape the scenery on the Panorama Trail, here the focus is on the rock faces and the hut. The two descriptions therefore offer different points of reference when choosing a hike based on its landscape.
Building History and Places of Remembrance in Lachen
Lachen is home to the Baroque parish church of Heiligkreuz, designed in part by Brother Caspar Moosbrugger. Construction began in 1708, and the church was consecrated in 1711. Another Baroque landmark is the Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows in Ried: it was built from 1679 and consecrated in 1684 by Georg Sigismund, auxiliary bishop of Constance. These two buildings point to different dates and places in the religious history of March.
The composer Joachim Raff is also associated with Lachen: he was born there in 1822, and a monument to him stands there. On the northern harbour jetty, the Trüller or Lasterstein bears an engraved marking with the year 1876. It recalls a former practice in which idlers, rogues and swindlers were put in the stocks for a certain period. The former Landsgemeinde meeting place of March is also located in Oberdorf. A lakeside promenade with plenty of seating for strolling and relaxing runs along the harbour.
Activities by the Water and in Lachen
Seefeld Lachen lido offers several ways to take a break on Lake Zurich: facilities include a 5-metre diving platform, a children’s paddling pool and a playground. A large lawn and shade-providing trees offer space to relax. The ice rink in Lachen, right on Lake Zurich, is open seasonally and offers ice skating and curling. Check seasonal availability when planning your visit.
Another activity in Lachen is urban golf. The game is played at nine locations, with marked targets such as rubbish bins or fountains. This adds a playful way to explore the town to its nature and cultural experiences. For quieter moments, the lakeside promenade by the harbour has seating where you can relax. Which side of March appeals to you most depends on whether you would rather spend your time enjoying the landscape, exploring architectural history or taking part in activities by the lake.
Discover more destinations: Vorderthal, Tuggen, Lachen, Reichenburg, Wangen, Innerthal, Küssnacht, Einsiedeln
For the overview of the wider travel region: Schwyz.
