At the northeastern foot of the Rigi and directly on Lake Lauerz lies Lauerz, a village and political municipality in the district of Schwyz. There are different options for your stay: Schwanau Island with its castle ruins, the reed and marsh landscape, or hikes from Sägel-Schutt towards Rigi Scheidegg. When planning, it is worth considering routes and transport together; the island, for example, can only be reached by ferry.
Lake and protected landscape
Around Lauerz, the Lauerzersee-Sägel-Schutt Nature Reserve includes forests, species-rich wet meadows, semi-dry grasslands and ponds. The area is an important resting and breeding ground for birds. A wooden boardwalk leads through the landscape at Seerosenweiher; wet reed meadows extend to Lake Lauerz, where colourful orchids grow. To protect the sensitive birds, stay on the designated paths and follow the visitor information on site.
The marshland between Goldau and Lauerz is of national importance because of its unspoilt beauty and outstanding value as a natural area. The lakeside swimming area is located in the centre of the village, on Lake Lauerz. It includes a sunbathing lawn shaded by trees, barbecue areas with dining tables and a playground for children. Check the facilities before your visit.
Stand-up paddleboarding is also an option on Lake Lauerz: there is little traffic from boats or scheduled passenger vessels. Conditions on the lake can vary. If you would like to fish from the shore, you can do so under the free fishing rights with a free fishing permit and proof of sufficient knowledge for animal-welfare-compliant fishing. Fishing on the lake is permitted year-round from 04:00 to 23:00. From a boat, fishing for carp, burbot and pike-perch is also permitted between 23:00 and 04:00. As regulations can change, check the current cantonal rules in advance.
Schwanau Island and village history
Schwanau Island lies in Lake Lauerz and belongs to the municipality of Lauerz. It is home to Schwanau Castle ruins and a small chapel. The lower part of the keep dates back to the Kyburg period; it was probably built around 1200 to 1240. The castle was most likely destroyed by fire around 1250. Advance booking is required for a historical guided tour featuring facts and legends about the island. The ferry is the only way to reach the island; check its service before travelling. The restaurant on Schwanau serves regional specialities, occasionally refined with exotic spices. Check availability in advance.
The parish church of St. Nicholas stands in the village centre. Its history dates back to a chapel dedicated to St. Theodul, which is documented from 1480 as a chapel affiliated with the parish of Schwyz. After a fire, it was rebuilt in 1508; in 1675, a new church of St. Nicholas was built on its site. The predecessor building was almost completely destroyed in the Goldau landslide of 1806. The church was rebuilt in the same location and consecrated in 1810. Its interior showcases Baroque architecture; the pulpit and side altars are designed in a light Rococo style.
Hikes with different stated durations
The hike “WanderWunder Schwyz: Through the Sägel-Schutt Nature Reserve” is rated easy, is 4.4 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. It can be started in Lauerz and leads through a reed landscape to Lauerz Church. A bus connection from Lauerz is listed for the return journey to the starting point; check the timetable before your hike.
The “Bergsturzspur” route leads from Lauerz through the Sägel nature reserve and Schuttwald forest, past traces of the landslide, to Goldau. It is 10 kilometres long. The Lauerz–Goldau (Gnipen) section is stated to take about 4 hours and 20 minutes—this duration applies to the section specified. Check trail conditions before setting out.
For the hike to Rigi Scheidegg, the route climbs steadily from the lake through meadows and forest. You can return on foot or take the gondola to Chräbel, the cogwheel railway to Goldau and then the bus to Lauerz. The options differ both in terrain and in the return journey; check current operating hours for transport services.
Getting there and other activities
Bus route 501 connects Lauerz with the Arth-Goldau and Schwyz railway stations and serves several stops in the village. If you are planning excursions by bus and train, check the timetable for your travel dates. At Zebuhof in Lauerz, golf has been played on seven holes across an area of about 3.5 hectares since June 2013. Ask in advance about seasonal dates and group arrangements.
Discover more destinations: Rickenbach Bei Schwyz, Rothenthurm, Arth, Alpthal, Unteriberg, Schwyz, Morschach, Illgau.
Go to the higher-level travel overview: Schwyz.
