Meierskappel lies on the foothills of the Rooterberg and stretches up to the viewpoint at Michaelskreuz. The municipality’s lowest point is on the Chiemen peninsula on Lake Zug, at 414 m above sea level; its highest point lies in the direction of Michaelskreuz, at 795 m above sea level. For a short stay, these places offer different highlights: lakeside and forest at Chiemen, trails and winter activities at Michaelskreuz, and historic chapels and churches in the village.
Chiemen: Forest and Lake Zug
Chiemen is a peninsula in Lake Zug. Its wooded outermost tip and the settlement of Böschenrot belong to Meierskappel. The peninsula is entirely forested and features remarkable woodland and rare plants. At Chiemen, you can enjoy walks, hikes, picnics by the lakeshore and swimming. Depending on your interests, you can spend your time walking, hiking or relaxing by the water.
The route on the Chiemen peninsula is listed as 6.5 km and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes; it is considered suitable for families. In summer, it runs directly along the shore of Lake Zug from Immensee. As route details may change, check the latest information before setting out.
Hiking Trails and Winter Activities
The municipality has an extensive and varied network of hiking trails. On its stage from Zug, the Alpine Panorama Trail passes through Meierskappel and continues uphill to Michaelskreuz. If you are planning this route, check seasonal trail conditions before setting off.
In winter, you can go sledging, snowshoeing and winter hiking at Michaelskreuz. The inn at Michaelskreuz serves as a stopover for hikes, motorcycle tours and cycling tours. The chapel near Michaelskreuz is a popular photo spot; the large cross at Schiffmannshof marks a viewpoint.
Meierskappel is considered a starting point for excursions to Rigi and Lucerne. Nearby, Rigi offers bathing and relaxation, hiking, mountain biking, playgrounds, rope parks and paragliding. These add further excursion options to the trails and scenery within the municipality.
Chapels, Church and Local History
The name Meierskappel is associated with a chapel built so that residents would no longer have to attend church services in Cham. The parish history mentions the area in the 11th century as “Cappell”; this is considered the first evidence of a religious building there.
The Lourdes Chapel commemorates those who fell in the 1847 Battle of Meierskappel with a memorial plaque. Its history includes several renovations: in 1906 it was converted from a mortuary chapel, and in 1962 it was redesigned, with the sacred figures also being restored. The Church of the Assumption of Mary on Dietisbergstrasse is listed in the cantonal heritage inventory. Its redesigned chancel provides space for concerts and larger musical ensembles; its use may vary depending on the programme.
Getting There and Local Produce
You can reach Meierskappel by PostBus from Lucerne via Adligenswil-Udligenswil or from the Lake Zug side via Rotkreuz. The nearest railway station is in the neighbouring municipality of Risch-Rotkreuz in the canton of Zug. Check PostBus connections for your travel date.
Local offerings include the farm shop run by Sandra and Markus MĂĽller-ZĂĽrcher. It sells preserves, meat directly from the farm, drinks, seasonal vegetables and fruit, as well as pasta and grain products. Check opening hours and visitor arrangements before your visit.
At Chäs-Hütte Meierskappel, regional raw milk is processed into milk, cream, yoghurt, fruit quark and sour cream. Fondue blends are also made in the winter months; product availability may vary seasonally. The farm run by Sandra and Markus Müller-Zürcher also offers children’s activities as part of the “School on the Farm” programme. Arrange participation in advance.
Discover more destinations: Gisikon, Rigi Kaltbad, Root, Schwarzenberg, Littau, Schachen, Horw, Dierikon.
For the main travel overview: Lucerne.
