Lauerzersee

What to do at Lake Lauerz

• Swimming: the Lauerz lido and the Seewen beach are among the warmest bathing spots in central Switzerland.
• Circular walk: the flat path around the lake, a little over eleven kilometres, is suitable for families with pushchairs.
• Schwanau island: the island has a ruined castle and a chapel, and in summer a restaurant invites you to linger.
• Sägel nature reserve: the reed beds and fens on the eastern shore are a paradise for birdwatchers.
• Water sports: stand-up paddleboards, rowing boats and pedalos are available for hire.

A shallow lake that warms up quickly

Lake Lauerz is shallow, and that is exactly what makes it special. The sun warms the water quickly, so people swim here while the big neighbouring lakes are still cold. At the same time a broad belt of reeds grows along the shore, giving the lake its quiet, almost enchanted character.

The nature reserve on the eastern shore is one of the important wetlands of central Switzerland. Reed beds, fen meadows and shallow water provide habitat for numerous bird species, and migrating birds rest here in spring and autumn. You can watch from the path; the protected zones themselves are off limits, and dogs must be kept on a lead.

The island of Schwanau and its history

On the little island of Schwanau stand the remains of a castle destroyed in the early fourteenth century, together with a chapel. Legends from the time of the Schwyz struggle for freedom cling to the tower and are retold in the canton with relish.

The lake itself saw its most dramatic chapter in 1806. When the rockslide from the Rossberg swept into the valley, part of the debris plunged into the water and set off a wave that struck the opposite shore. Walk the circular path today and for stretches you are crossing the deposits of that event.

Tip: After the Goldau rockslide of 1806 a wave reached the lake. The story is told at Goldau Nature and Animal Park right next door.

Getting there

Train to Arth-Goldau or Schwyz, then bus to Lauerz or Seewen. Parking at the lido.

The circular path can be started anywhere and walked in either direction. It is flat, well surfaced and largely pushchair-friendly, although in places it runs close to the road. The loveliest sections are on the southern and eastern shores, where the path passes through the reeds and across the fen meadows.

Public transport: Train to Arth-Goldau, bus to Lauerz. Or train to Schwyz and on foot to the shore at Seewen.