Greppen: Lido, hiking trails and Chestene-Chilbi

Greppen combines protected landscapes, access to the lake, various hiking trails and an event celebrating chestnuts. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Greppen, these different highlights can help with your planning: Would you like to go swimming, explore on foot or experience the Chestene-Chilbi?

Lido and protected landscapes

The Breitenacherried and the adjoining area of Lake Lucerne are protected to safeguard the landscape and preserve its animal and plant life. For a different view of the lake, visit Greppen Lido: from there, the view extends across Lake Lucerne to Mount Pilatus and the municipality of Meggen on the opposite shore. The small lido has a sandy beach and lake access for swimming and sunbathing. It is right next to the boat harbour and has a raft, a play lawn with a table tennis table, changing rooms and a toilet.

Hiking trails with varied routes

The Rigi Scheidegg–Greppen stage passes over alpine pastures, along a high-level trail and the scenic Felsenweg. It then descends to Greppen via forest paths and alpine pastures. By contrast, a hike from Weggis to Greppen follows the lakeshore, passes through woodland and goes by the Röhrli barbecue area and the Haldihof organic farm. It reaches Greppen’s historic village centre; from there, you can take the bus back to Weggis.

The Rigi Chestene Trail also leads to Greppen: it passes through fields and meadows via the Lantschi, Klösterli and Rotenhof farms. From Greppen, the trail continues to Vitznau; another path descends to the centre of Weggis, where there are bus and boat stops. The Chestene Trail offers panoramic views of Mount Pilatus, the Central Swiss Pre-Alps, including Stanserhorn and Bürgenstock, and the Küssnacht lake basin. If you are planning a hike in stages, you can walk the Rigi Lehnenweg from Greppen. From Greppen, it runs alongside a restored chestnut forest.

Chestene-Chilbi and chestnut products

The Chestene-Chilbi takes place on the fourth Sunday in October. With more than 70 market stalls and festival taverns, it also has a culinary focus: baked goods, pasta and chestnut honey are on offer, while beer and liqueur are made from chestnuts. The Chestene-Chilbi is described as the largest market for chestnut products in German-speaking Switzerland. The IG Pro Kastanie Zentralschweiz launched the Cheschtene-Chilbi in Greppen to raise awareness of the importance of the chestnut. Its timing and chestnut theme give the event a distinctive place among Greppen’s experiences.

Village centre and St. Wendelin

Greppen’s village centre is listed in the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. The pilgrimage church of St. Wendelin was built between 1645 and 1647. The parish church of St. Wendelin has notable stucco frames and three ceiling paintings above the choir. The municipal coat of arms also has a specific historical connection: it is based on a seal belonging to Johann von Greppen from 1330.

Getting there and getting around

Greppen’s transport connections include SBB stations in Küssnacht am Rigi, Arth-Goldau and Lucerne, the AAGS bus route, a night bus to Lucerne and a boat station. Greppen boat station is on the Lucerne–Küssnacht am Rigi route. If your plans depend on a particular connection, check the timetable in advance. When choosing where to stay, you can compare the hikes described here, the lido and the Chestene-Chilbi date with your own travel plans.

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