The municipality of Wangen lies at the foot of Buechberg. If you are choosing between culture and nature, there are clear places to start: the late Gothic parish church of St. Columban, the chapel of St. Wendelin, and Nuoler Ried on the shore of the upper part of Lake Zurich. Walking and cycling routes, as well as scenic flights from Wangen-Lachen airfield, add to the range of activities. You can get to know Wangen through its architectural history, a protected area, or different ways of getting around.

Churches and architectural history

Historical records show that the parish church of St. Columban is among the oldest places of worship on the upper part of Lake Zurich. Its present building dates back to the late Gothic period. The chapel of St. Wendelin offers a different architectural accent: the present chapel was built in 1941 in a simple historicist style, replacing an earlier building dating from the late 17th century. It houses the oldest bell in the March region, dating from 1379. The chapel is considered a site of local importance. Those interested in the development of religious buildings can compare a late Gothic building with a 20th-century chapel and its earlier predecessor.

Nuoler Ried on the lakeshore

The Nuoler Ried nature reserve lies in the municipality of Wangen SZ on the shore of the upper part of Lake Zurich, between Nuolen and Wangen-Lachen airfield. It is a breeding ground for Eurasian curlews and northern lapwings. As a fen, it is listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance. The Ried is therefore both a specific habitat for breeding birds and a fen of national importance. The area has gravel paths and paved paths, used by walkers among others. If you would like to explore the Ried on foot, you can take these different path surfaces into account when planning your visit.

Trails and viewpoints

The approximately 37-kilometre circular route around the Obersee can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Most of it follows official hiking trails or SwitzerlandMobility cycling routes. The Obersee Experience Trail offers a different way to find your way: one section leads from Lachen railway station via Wangen-Lachen airfield to Wangen village square; another runs from the village square through Buechberg to Tuggen. The circular route focuses on the total distance, while the Experience Trail lets you use the places and sections listed as your guide.

For a specific starting point, the Wangen SZ Vita Parcours begins on Buechbergstrasse, near the Genossame Wangen barbecue area. Another viewpoint is the Wangen Linden tree. From there, you can see across Wangen and the surrounding area. In summer, it is a destination for family outings, hikes, and picnics; its seasonal character is part of the excursion experience.

Scenic flights on the upper part of Lake Zurich

Wangen-Lachen airfield is right on the upper part of Lake Zurich. Scenic flights on various routes depart from here; visitors can book a scenic flight or a trial flight. This offers a different focus from an outing on the ground: the Obersee circular route and sections of the Experience Trail focus on paths and places, while the airfield is all about flying. The airfield also offers flight training, further training, and courses.

Discover more destinations: Tuggen, Vorderthal, Innerthal, Lachen, Reichenburg.

For the overview of the wider region: March.