This is Küssnacht am Rigi
Küssnacht am Rigi lies in the canton of Schwyz between Lake Lucerne, Lake Zug and the Rigi mountain massif, 20 minutes by train from Lucerne. The town is one of the settings of the William Tell legend and a popular excursion destination between lakes and mountains.
Discover Küssnacht am Rigi
The main square is lined with stately townhouses and the historic Gasthaus Engel, where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once stayed. The local history museum beside the church tower presents the village's traditions, including the Iffelen, lanterns shaped like a bishop's mitre that can stand over 2 metres tall. At Seeplatz, you can hire a pedal boat or stand-up paddleboard. In summer, swim at the Seeburg lido, with its sandy beach, swimming raft and diving tower.
In the footsteps of William Tell
From the main square, you can reach Hohle Gasse in 4 minutes by bus. According to legend, this is where William Tell shot the bailiff Gessler. The information pavilion tells you more about the story. From there, follow the cobbled path up to Tell's Chapel and continue for another 30 minutes on foot to the ruins of Gesslerburg Castle, where the tyrant is said to have lived.
The Küssnacht Klausjagen procession
Experience the Küssnacht Klausjagen procession on 5 December each year. After the starting signal at 8.15pm, the lights go out and more than 1,500 participants parade through the streets with whips, cowbells and musical instruments. One highlight is the sight of more than 200 men carrying illuminated Iffelen on their heads.
Around Küssnacht am Rigi
The cable car takes you up to Seebodenalp at over 1,000 metres. From here, you can hike to Rigi Kulm in just over 2 hours. Along the lakeshore towards Merlischachen, the Astrid Chapel commemorates the fatal accident of the Belgian queen. In summer, the boat journey to Lucerne takes just over 50 minutes. Arth-Goldau is 11 minutes away by train, where you can feed sika deer and mouflons at the Nature and Animal Park.
Experience Küssnacht am Rigi for less
If you stay overnight in Küssnacht, you receive the
Hohlgassland Guest Card. This gives you half-price travel to Seebodenalp and a 30% discount on round trips on Lake Zug. The paid
Lucerne Travel Pass includes trains, buses, boats, the Seebodenalp cable car and the Rigi Railways.
