A small Swiss town on Lake Walen's shores, at the foot of the Churfirsten mountains. The lake's steady winds make it a popular spot for windsurfing and sailing.
Walenstadt sits along the northeastern shore of Lake Walensee in eastern Switzerland. From the medieval chapel of St. Georg to the waterfront parks with swimming zones, the town spreads between the steep walls of the Churfirsten mountains and Murtschenstock peaks. You can swim at the public beaches, walk through the historic center, or hike up to the white Paxmal monument that overlooks the lake from Walenstadtberg's hillside.
Transportation and Access
The A3 motorway runs through Walenstadt, connecting it to major Swiss cities. Take the train to the central railway station, or drive directly into town. Local buses connect the five areas of the municipality: Walenstadt proper, Walenstadtberg, Knoblisbühl, Berschis, and Tscherlach. Buses run every 30 minutes during weekdays and hourly on weekends.
Swimming and Lake Activities
Lake Walensee's public beach parks have 200 meters of sandy shoreline, roped-off swimming areas, and large grass areas. The main beachfront park includes three playground sets, six covered picnic tables, and changing rooms with showers. Waterfront restaurants line the shore, where you can eat on terraces facing the lake and mountains.
Medieval Sites and Monuments
Walk up to St. Georgenberg in Berschis to explore a 3rd-century BC settlement site and the stone chapel of St. Georg. The sites open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with marked paths guiding you through the grounds. The Paxmal building, a white peace monument built by artist Karl Bickel between 1924 and 1949, sits on a hillside in Walenstadtberg. Follow the marked 2-hour hiking trail from the town center to reach it.
Daily Life and Culture
About 5,700 people live in German-speaking Walenstadt, spread across neighborhoods of modern homes and traditional Swiss houses. Local farmers tend to dairy cows and grape vines on the surrounding slopes, while marked forest paths connect the residential areas. You'll find produce markets in the town center on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The stone Swiss Reformed Church holds regular services and its tower bell marks the hours. Summer brings more activity to the lake beaches, but locals use the walking trails and waterfront parks throughout the year.
