Weesen lies in the See-Gaster constituency on the western shore of Lake Walen and on the Linth Canal. Its historic old town is situated on Lake Walen’s Riviera; historic buildings shape the town. If you are looking for a hotel in Weesen, you can decide in advance what to focus on: the Linth Promenade, the old town’s history or activities on Lake Walen.
Walking along the Linth
The accessible Linth Promenade runs from ZiegelbrĂĽcke along the Linth to Weesen. In town, it runs from the harbor to the Weesen See bus stop, where the route ends. The promenade offers views of the Glarus Alps and, in Weesen, of Lake Walen. The harbor and bus stop clearly mark the Weesen section; if you are planning the walk, you can use these named endpoints for guidance. Check local conditions before setting out.
Lakeside landscape and history
The landscape around Weesen has also been shaped by the Linth correction project. As part of this project, the Maag, which connected Lake Walen and the Linth, was replaced by the Linth Canal. The water level of Lake Walen was lowered by about 5 m, creating a broad lakeside zone between the old settlement of Weesen and the lake. The original natural landscape around Weesen and Amden is included in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments (BLN) and is protected. The water, lakeside zone and town history offer different perspectives on the area.
Old town, walking tour and museum
A short walking tour through the old town introduces its history. After 1283, Weesen was historically in Habsburg possession and an important customs and transshipment center. The Museum & Galerie Weesen also focuses on different periods: a permanent exhibition covers Weesen in Roman times; the museum also explores the medieval town, which was destroyed in 1388. The attic houses a collection of 19th-century paintings, watercolors and drawings from the Lake Walen region.
Another historic site is the remains of the medieval wall in Staadpark. They were restored in 2017 and opened to the public. The walking tour, museum and wall remains each offer a different focus: the tour introduces the old town’s history, while the museum covers Roman times, the medieval town and regional art. This lets you choose the historical aspect that interests you most without limiting the experience to a single attraction.
Boat trips and activities on Lake Walen
From spring to autumn, boats run from Weesen via Quinten to Walenstadt. Lake Walen Cruises serves the Weesen landing stage. If you are planning a boat trip, check the current timetable before traveling. Weesen Boat Rental rents boats to visitors with or without a boating license; find out about the rental conditions in advance.
Lake Walen has a bathing beach, beach volleyball on the sand and other water sports; a lakeside restaurant is also among the listed amenities. Canoes, SUP boards and kayaks can be reserved by mobile phone, picked up on site from a locker using a QR code, and used directly on Lake Walen. These options differ from the seasonal boat service: you can compare a trip along the set route with other ways to spend time on the water. Check reservation requirements and availability for these leisure activities in advance.
Discover more destinations: Uznach, Eschenbach, Benken, Ernetschwil, Gommiswald, Schmerikon, Schänis, Goldingen.
See the overview of the wider travel region: See-Gaster.
