Anyone with personal experience of this town?

Stll casting about for a trip (sadly postponed) for next May.
Travelling by rail, have been to Switzerland MANY times, and searching for fairly well-connected "incognito" town to further experience. Have already been to the major must-see mountains/Berner Oberland/Engadine, etc. My heart is set on either Zug or Kuessnacht this time, where I can dig still further in!

ttt

So, no Rigi trip for you then mokka?!!! Küssnacht is a pretty place - and as you've been to Switzerland before you know what I mean - and has a lakeside promenade for strolls and light (or heavy) hiking as you wish (Seebodenalp is popular). It feels a little more "open" than, say, Luzern, and a lot more rural. As far as digging a little deeper, there are Summer concerts held by the river on Wednesday evenings (not sure when in May you're going, but if it's towards the end then you might catch them). No doubt you've already looked into the history, but I can recommend a walk along the Hohle Gasse www.hohlegasse.ch/hp/index_engl.html whether you're into Wilhelm Tell or not. It's a beautiful path (aka "hollow alleyway") which was once part of the trading route through the region and has historical ties to Tell and his bow and arrow defence against the Habsburgs - there's a chapel at one end which was built in his name, and now an information centre showing the history of Wilhelm Tell. Took about 15-20mins strolling up the hill from the information centre at the lake to reach the entrance to the alleyway. There's even a "Restaurant Tell" (what else?!!) up there should you feel like a snack/break!

Is that the kind of thing you're looking for in terms of "further digging"?

Zug is larger than Kuessnacht, of course, and I have only ever spent a day here. It's still a pretty lakeside town, but I didn't enjoy the "feel" of it as much as other places - reminds me of a smaller Zurich in some ways. But, there are some interesting museums (the ancient history museum is interesting, and the art museum has some interesting exhibitions), the view from the Zytturm is worthy, the cycling was good (great pathways of different gradients, but all scenic, free bike hire near the town hall) and you could visit the caves in Baar if that interests you (5mins up the road by public bus), otherwise there is a rather old brewery in Baar if that's more your style (I didn't make it, so would be interested to know your impressions if you do).

Thanks for your reply madam!
I will most hopefully be travelling the latter half of May 2012. I have also spent a day in Zug climbing the Zytturm and walking the lakeside promenade, visiting the ornithological cages (are they a permanent exhibit?)--felt sorry for the poor imprisoned birds! And having a great lakeside lunch. Was hesitant about staying there next visit--too much a small city? More hotel options, but also more expensive... Kuessnacht sounds good, but I was a little concerned about transportation links-seems that buses account for about 50% of travel options, and why, but I am a little shy when it comes to bus travel!
The Seebodenalp/Hohle Gasse hiking sounds worth exploring--
do you recall if there are "open heights" or steep/unprotected drop-offs? (Have a little fear of such heights, so am a light-to-medium hiker).
I have previously stayed in such small towns as Lungern, Rapperswil, Kandersteg, Brienz and Pontresina (for 1-2 weeks each) to give you an idea of my tastes (loved Brienz). I glory in the mix of lake and mountains (who doesn't)?!
And by 'digging in', I do mean further exploring the local attractions that Americans do not much hear about (loved Stans/Stanserhorn and Schwyz last year!)
Thanks again!

My pleasure - glad I could pique your interest with the Gasse info.

Not sure about the bird cage display - haven't seen them there myself (haven't been back to Zug for a few years). And yes, it does have a small city feel about it (hence to Zurich comparison) so I get what you mean if you're looking for something a little more tactile. And if you enjoyed Rapperswill (lovely), Stans (tiny but easy to access surrounds) and Brienz (also lovely, and I choose it over Interlaken every time) then you'll enjoy K'nacht. Getting to Küssnacht by train from say Luzern (or anywhere else) is simple (train takes 20mins from Luzern from memory), but yes I think it's busses or boats for some sections of transport in the area.

The hiking trails are of various levels/altitude, but if you stick to around the hills of the town you won't have issues with sheer drops and unfenced/unrailed paths. The paths that meander through the area at that level are all unfenced but just flow into a hill that rolls it's way into the lake, so not very steep. If you wander over to Weggis and follow the paths at the back of the town and around Rigi's base you'll be fine too. If you're familiar with the start of the paths that lead up Mt Pilatus from Kriens, then that kind of gradient through fields and some forests. Or even the very first section of the cog rail up Stanserhorn (with the big fields and cows with bells), but not as steep. Or you can head to Rigi Kaltbad (take cable car up from Weggis - unless that high thing will be a factor) and hike the easy gradient 7km walk to Rigi Scheidegg then take the mountain train down to Vitznau and then back to K'nacht via bus (I know, I know, but it's a neat red and white "Riviera" bus! And it only takes around 10mins K'nacht to Weggis, so a litlte longer from Vitznau). Actually, there's a fortress in Vitznau (haven't been, but know if it) that may be of interest to you as well. There is a boat service which does Luzern-K'nacht I know of, but I can't recall if there is one which links the other smaller ports (Weggis, etc) to Küssnacht. Tourist Info would be my first port of call for that.

Hopefully schuler sees this post and can offer some more ideas for the area as well.

Thanks Madam!
I'm getting excited! Its a milestone birthday next year that I plan to celebrate--I CAN'T let this trip slip by!

Hi!I live not too far from Küssnacht am Rigi. It's a small town at the foot of the Rigi and on the lake. It's quaint enough but I personally would prefer Weggis unless I was dependent on public transportation. You can't get up to the top of the Rigi from Küssnacht by a cable car, but you can certainly walk down from the Rigi to Küssnacht.

Zug is larger, has an incredible old town (basically two small preserved car-free streets) and lots of shops and hustle and bustle. The bird cages are still there and there's more to do down by the lake. Lodging is probably more expensive too.

Another town that is quite often overlooked is Brunnen, which offers fine views and is located between Stoos and Rigi.

Oh, when the weather is good, it's all good.

Thanks Schuler!
I AM dependent on public transport, hence Kuessnacht.
I have also been considering Brunnen, unsure in which I might find a better Fewo possibility. Between the two, would you have a preference?
If I can land a nice Fewo, I would need a grocery store, bakery and a few restuarants for dinner.
Of course they are both in the same 'hood, so I my targets remain "accessible"!
I was hoping to take the lift up to Seebodenalp then hike up a
bit to ?Rigi Staffel or Kaltbad (not sure of the order). Have already been to the top, might not mind doing part of it again by transport.
Also interested in Weg der Schweiz, section from Bruennen/Ruetli to Seelisberg. Any personal experience? How does one get from Brunnen RR to Ruetli meadow?
Finally, have been reviewing Section 7 of ViaGottardo from Zug to Kuessnacht(5 hours) vs The Schweizer Hoehenweg section from KaR to Rigi Staffel(4 hr 20)...
Any input on these hikes? I do not like sheer drop-offs or cliff-clinging!
You have helped with previous trips--I thouroughly enjoyed Stanserhorn last November!

ttt

Mokka,

I really can't help you decide between Brunnen and KaRigi. Too difficult to decide. I've done hikes on the Rigi but never from Küssnacht. Wish I could help more. Sorry!