Gommiswald Between Culture and Winter Trails

Gommiswald lies about four kilometres east of Uznach on the Ricken. The gently rolling hills at the foot of the Ricken Pass and the local recreation area shape the village. From its south-west-facing hillside, views stretch across Lake Zurich and the Linth plain to the Glarus Alps. A high terrace extends from Giegen via Ottenhofen and Uetliburg to Berg Sion Monastery. During a stay here, you can enjoy the landscape as well as its cultural history and a range of winter activities.

Cultural History in Gommiswald

The parish church of St. James is considered the municipality’s most important cultural landmark. Its late Baroque building was constructed from 1789 as a complete replacement for a St. James chapel dating from 1497 and an older church from 1599. Later changes to the interior are also part of its history: during a historicist renovation by August Hardegger, the church received two new altar panels and two new paintings above the altars by Franz Vettiger in 1888.

The Chapel of St. Felix and Regula in Uetliburg was built in 1676. During its renovation in 1882, Franz Vettiger created an altarpiece depicting the two saints. Another historical connection follows the Ricken road: it passed through Uetliburg and Gommiswald and was an old pilgrimage route from southern Germany to Einsiedeln Abbey. The church, chapel and pilgrimage route each offer a different glimpse into the religious history of the village and its surroundings.

Story Benches and Outdoor Places

The network of story benches links local legends with several locations in Gommiswald. There are 15 benches in total, each with a QR code you can scan to listen to recorded stories. Locations include the church, Ramendingen/Port, Englenweg and Griessweg. All the story benches can be reached on foot or by bike. This lets you combine an interest in local tales with time outdoors, and visit the individual spots in different ways.

The monastery church at Berg Sion Monastery also offers a specific reason to visit: it is open for adoration during the day. Check that this option is still available before travelling.

Cross-country Skiing, Downhill Skiing and Winter Hiking

The Ricken cross-country ski trail network has 24 kilometres of gently undulating trails, a two-kilometre night trail and a 14-kilometre panoramic hiking trail. For a shorter cross-country skiing option, there is a mostly flat 3.5-kilometre beginner trail through the Durschlagen moorland. It is suitable for both skating and classic cross-country skiing. The different lengths and types of trails give you practical guidance when choosing the duration and type of your winter activity.

The ski area has easy, wide pistes suitable for families with young children. The lift facilities include a 280-metre T-bar lift and a 220-metre pony lift. For a toboggan run, a 3.8-kilometre trail leads from the mountain restaurant to Ricken. There is also an easy-rated 3.5-kilometre winter hike to Alp Egg, with a toboggan run. These details describe different ways to enjoy winter days: cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, sledging and winter hiking.

Gommiswald Swimming Pool

Gommiswald Swimming Pool combines swimming and play facilities. The swimming pool is 25 metres long; there is also a non-swimmers’ pool, one- and three-metre diving boards, and a three-metre-wide, 12-metre-long slide. Facilities also include a beach volleyball court, table tennis and areas for ball games. Children can enjoy a playground with a shaded paddling pool and play equipment. The range of pools and play areas makes the swimming pool another specific leisure option in Gommiswald.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Uetliburg, Amden, Hintergoldingen, Uznach, Weesen, Goldingen, Benken, Ernetschwil

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