Steinen lies in Central Switzerland between the Rossberg massif and Lake Lauerz. The floodplain trail leads through a protected river landscape, while the parish church, ossuary and village traditions offer insights into local history and recurring festivities. This lets you tailor your visit to your own interests, whether you prefer nature trails, local history or seasonal events.
Floodplain Trails, Views and Water
The Auenspur is an easy, 3.66-kilometre circular themed trail that starts and ends at Steinen railway station. It runs through a protected river floodplain, where you can discover more than 1,500 plant species and 40 different woody plant species. From Arth-Goldau or Schwyz, take a train or bus to Steinen railway station. Check the timetable before travelling.
A circular trail follows the right bank of the Steiner Aa and leads to the Schornen viewpoint, with views across Lake Lauerz. In warm weather, the same trail provides access to Choli bathing area, where you can cool off in the lake. Swimming conditions and facilities may vary by season. In addition to the trail and viewpoint, you can also make water and a summer stay by the lake a focus of your visit.
A hike from the village of Steinen to Wildspitz passes through meadows, forest and alpine pastureland. The Steinertal vineyard area lies slightly above the Stauffacher village. From this sun-drenched location, you can enjoy views across the village, Lake Lauerz and the mountains.
Church, Ossuary and Unique Insights
St. James Parish Church has medieval origins. It was rebuilt in Gothic style in 1318 and consecrated on 27 July; extensions and a Baroque redesign followed later. The main casing of the Steinen organ dates from 1664. The church grounds also include the ossuary, consecrated in 1509. Its uniform interior, dating from the time of construction, makes it one of the best-preserved ossuaries in Central Switzerland. Some pilgrims travelling the Way of St. James may once have stopped here; the church and ossuary preserve clues to this possibility.
Wildlife is also connected with the church building: the endangered greater mouse-eared bat lives in the attic. On summer evenings, as dusk falls, you can watch from the small window on the north side of the church tower as the bats leave their roost and set off to hunt insects at night. This is a seasonal wildlife-watching opportunity, not a scheduled event.
The Tree Figure Cabinet displays upside-down, naturally grown trees transformed by artist Alfons BĂĽrgler into goblins, women, men, couples in love and dancers. There is an important restriction to bear in mind when planning your visit: from 2026, the cabinet will be open only during events at the Kabinett Eventbar; individual opening hours and private events are available on request. Check the current options before visiting. The late Gothic Stauffacher Chapel, dating to around 1470, is also located on the way to Schwyz.
Chilbi, Carnival and Cherry Blossoms
The Steiner Chilbi is a four-day festival in honour of the patron saint of the church, St. James. It takes place every year from Friday to Monday on the first weekend in October; the exact dates vary from year to year. The festival gave its name to the Swiss Ländler Schottisch «Steiner Chilbi» by Jost Ribary Sr. Ribary composed the piece in 1933; it was first performed at the Chilbi in Steinen.
Steinen’s carnival is led by Talibasch and Välädi. The Rott procession they lead dances its way onto the village square and turns there anticlockwise. Carnival season runs from the first day of carnival in mid-January through Güdel Monday to Güdel Tuesday. The Chilbi and carnival therefore offer different times of year to visit; check the dates for the relevant year if you want to travel specifically for one of the festivals.
Steinen is associated with cherries and is also known as the «Chriesi-Dorf» (Cherry Village). In spring, a walk takes you past blossoming cherry trees and through the Aazopf floodplain landscape. The cherry blossom and floodplain trail offer a distinct seasonal focus alongside the festival dates and the hike towards Wildspitz.
Discover more destinations: Lauerz, Brunnen, Muotathal, Oberiberg, Unteriberg, Schwyz, Sattel, Arth
Return to the main travel overview: Schwyz.
