Gersau lies at the southern foot of Mount Rigi, in a bay on Lake Lucerne sheltered from the elements by its mild climate. Local history, landscape and recurring cultural events give a stay here a variety of highlights. The nature trail explores habitats and geology; the town hall, chapel and local customs offer further perspectives on the town.

Landscape and Orientation

The Gersau Nature Trail has seven stops focusing on habitats and eight more on the area's geological features. Two subjects are therefore at the heart of the circular route: habitats and geology. The circular hike starts at the Gersau boat station. Signs bearing the words “On the trail of nature” mark the route, which runs half on natural paths and half on paved roads. A detour to Kirchenflueloch can be added along the mountain hiking trail. From there, you can enjoy a view of Gersau, the lake and Mount Pilatus in the background.

The two lidos also differ in location. Cholplatz Lido is closer to the village, in the direction of Vitznau, and offers expansive views across the lake. Kindli Lido is in a romantically wild setting about 1.5 km in the direction of Brunnen. The two places thus offer different points of reference for finding your way around the lake: Cholplatz is closer to the village, while Kindli is in the direction of Brunnen, about 1.5 km away.

Town Hall and Chapel

Gersau Town Hall was built in 1745 and later served, among other things, as a prison and a school. Today, it houses the local history museum, among other things. The building's construction date, former uses and present-day function as a museum can be understood as different phases of its history.

The Maria-Hilf Chapel is also known as the Kindli Chapel and is used for weddings. Each year, a candlelit concert is held there as part of the StradivariFEST. The chapel is thus associated both with weddings and with a recurring concert event.

Traditions and Music

Gersau's customs offer a range of seasonal reference points. The traditional Sennenchilbi has always been held on the Sunday after Gallus. During the Gersau Chlausentrycheln, a procession of Trychler bell ringers and Iffelen lantern bearers moves through the dark streets every evening in a meditative rhythm. StradivariFEST Gersau is a tradition and an established institution; its concerts take place in the last week of July.

The concert venues are also diverse: concerts take place by the lake, in the church, in hotel halls, beside and inside chapels, at viewpoints and on boats. The Sunday after Gallus, the last week of July and the evening procession during Chlausentrycheln provide different time references. The events can therefore be distinguished by the dates or times given for each.

Local Specialty and Silk Factory

Gersau cheese tart is a regional specialty with a crisp yeast-dough crust and genuine Swiss cheese. You can enjoy it at various restaurants or buy it in a shop. The specialty thus offers two options: try the cheese tart when dining at a restaurant or buy it in a shop.

You can visit the Gersau silk factory while production is underway as part of a one-hour guided tour. The duration provides a specific timeframe for this activity. As tour arrangements may change, check the current options before your visit.

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