March: Nature, Trails and Culture

Between Nuolen and Wangen-Lachen airfield lies the Nuoler Ried, a wetland and breeding ground on the upper Lake Zurich. Birds that breed there include, among others, Eurasian curlews and lapwings. For nature lovers, the Ried is a practical starting point for getting to know the landscape and birdlife of the March region.

Nature between the upper lake and the Wägital

The March district belongs to the Swiss canton of Schwyz and comprises, for the most part, the southern shore of the upper Lake Zurich and the Wägital. This brings together different travel interests in the region: wildlife watching and lakeside experiences alongside hikes in the Wägital. The Nuoler Ried is listed in the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance and has been a cantonal nature reserve since 1980.

The Ried has gravel paths and paved paths. They are used by walkers, inline skaters, bikers, riders and nature lovers. This allows visitors to explore the landscape in different ways, while the wetland remains a breeding ground for birds.

Hiking and exploring

The March Panorama Trail is a 21.4-kilometre summer hike with a walking time of about five hours and 55 minutes; the stated season runs from April to October. The trail begins at the Vorderthal Sonne bus stop. To get there, take the SOB or SBB train to Siebnen/Wangen, then bus route 523. The trail first passes through the Wägital and then offers views of Lake Zurich and the Säntis. Factor the approximate walking time into your day’s plans and check the latest route information and bus connections before setting out.

Another hike is Wägital Bockmattli. It begins in Innerthal at Lake Wägital and is suitable for active hikers as well as families. Along the way, it passes the imposing limestone walls of the Bockmattli Towers and continues to the Bockmattli Hut. These stops give the hike a different landscape focus from the Panorama Trail. Various cycling routes around Lachen also lead to nearby recreational areas, with different levels of difficulty.

Culture and local history in Lachen

The Church of the Holy Cross in Lachen is a Baroque building whose design was planned, among others, by Brother Caspar Moosbrugger. Construction began in 1708, and it was consecrated in 1711. A monument in Lachen commemorates the composer Joachim Raff, who was born there in 1822. The former assembly square of the March district is also located in Oberdorf in Lachen.

On the northern harbour mole, the Trüller or Lasterstein bears an engraved mark with the year 1876. It recalls how day thieves, rogues and fraudsters used to be put in the pillory there for a period of time. A lakeside promenade with plenty of places to sit also runs along the harbour, inviting visitors to stroll and linger.

Activities on Lake Zurich

Seefeld Lachen lido has a 5-metre diving platform, a children’s paddling pool and a playground. For relaxing by Lake Zurich, it also offers a large sunbathing lawn and shade trees. Urban Golf in Lachen is played at nine locations; marked targets include, for example, rubbish bins and fountains. As well as nature and hiking, there are activities to enjoy in town.

The Lachen ice rink, right on Lake Zurich, offers ice skating and curling. As it is a seasonal facility, check whether it is open during your travel dates before setting off. At the Lachen village market, regional vendors sell local produce at Seeplatz; homemade delicacies are also available. The selection may vary depending on the date.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vorderthal, Tuggen, Lachen, Reichenburg, Wangen, Innerthal, Schwyz, Gersau.

Go to the main travel overview: Schwyz.