Lake Lauerz
Schwyz
Lake Lauerz, located in the Canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, is a shallow natural lake with a variable surface area between 310 and 360 hectares and a maximum depth of 14 meters. Nestled between the Rossberg and the Rigi mountains, the lake is divided into two basins by a tectonic ridge near the island of Schwanau. It receives inflow mainly from the Steiner Aa river and drains via the Seeweren stream into the Muota river, eventually reaching Lake Lucerne. The lake features two small islands, Schwanau and Roggenburg, both within the municipality of Lauerz. Historically, the lake was used for ice harvesting before refrigeration technology, supplying local breweries and hotels. The 1806 Goldau landslide dramatically impacted the lake, causing a 20-meter tsunami and depositing debris that altered its surface area and damaged nearby villages. Today, Lake Lauerz is valued for its natural retention function, fluctuating water levels, and opportunities for swimming with public baths in Seewen, Lauerz, and Steinen. Ongoing efforts aim to balance flood control with environmental preservation, including proposals to connect it to Lake Lucerne via a tunnel.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Lake Lauerz is during the summer months when swimming and outdoor activities are popular. Visitors should consider exploring the public lakeside baths in Seewen, Lauerz, and Steinen. Due to occasional flooding, especially after heavy rains, check local conditions in advance. No specific ticketing is required as it is a natural site, but planning ahead for accommodations and transport in the Schwyz region is advisable.
Faits intéressants
- •Lake Lauerz's water level naturally fluctuates by more than two meters, as it is not artificially regulated.
- •The 1806 Goldau landslide triggered a 20-meter high tsunami on the lake, one of the most dramatic natural disasters in the region's history.
- •The lake has two small islands: Schwanau (5,728 m²) and Roggenburg (750 m²), with Schwanau being historically affected by the landslide.
- •Sediment accumulation in the lake averages 1 to 3.6 centimeters per year, gradually transforming it into a riverine landscape over time.
- •Under winter ice, methane gas bubbles often form and are traditionally ignited by local youths through holes in the ice.
Histoire
The name Lake Lauerz originates from the nearby village of Lauerz.
In 1806, the catastrophic Goldau landslide caused a massive tsunami on the lake, destroying much of the western village area and resulting in significant loss of life.
Prior to modern refrigeration, the lake was an important source of ice for local industries.
In the late 20th century, concerns about flooding and environmental impacts led to protective measures and discussions about regulating water levels, including a proposed tunnel connection to Lake Lucerne.