Things To Do
in Ingenbohl

Ingenbohl is a small Swiss municipality on the southern shore of Lake Lucerne in the canton of Schwyz. It offers tranquil lake views, scenic hills, and easy access to both countryside and nearby towns. The area serves as a quiet base for day trips to Einsiedeln Abbey, Lucerne, and the surrounding mountains.

With clean infrastructure, friendly locals, and traditional Swiss charm, Ingenbohl provides a peaceful yet convenient travel experience.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Ingenbohl
morning
:

Arrive in Ingenbohl, nestled by Lake Zug, and take some time to settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, soaking in the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Take a scenic stroll along the lakeside promenade to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Spend the afternoon exploring the charming town of Ingenbohl. Visit the historic Benedictine monastery and learn about its rich history while taking in the beautiful architecture. Enjoy a picturesque lunch at a lakeside restaurant, indulging in Swiss specialties.

evening
:

As twilight approaches, relax by watching the sunset over the lake, a breathtaking sight that paints the sky with vibrant hues. Seek out a cozy restaurant for dinner, where you can savor delicious Swiss cuisines such as fondue or rösti. Conclude the night with a leisurely walk along the water's edge, taking in the serene ambiance.

day 2
Exploring Lake Zug
morning
:

Start your day with a scenic boat ride on Lake Zug, where the calm waters and surrounding mountains create a perfect backdrop. Enjoy the morning sun as you glide across the lake, spotting charming villages along the shoreline. Disembark at a nearby village and explore its local shops and markets.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a lakeside café, hike the nearby trails that offer breathtaking views of the lake and the Swiss countryside. The well-marked paths provide varying difficulty levels, suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers. Take your time to appreciate the natural beauty and capture memorable photographs.

evening
:

Return to Ingenbohl in the evening to unwind. Have dinner at a traditional Swiss inn, trying out local dishes and enjoying the warm, inviting atmosphere. End the night with a nightcap at a local bar, mingling with locals and fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
Coffee$3-5
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$120-180
🚇Public transit day pass$8-12
🧀Local cheese (half-kilo)$8-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, scenic location with easy access to Lake Lucerne and the mountains
  • Very safe, clean, and efficient public services
  • Short trips to Einsiedeln Abbey and Lucerne for day outings
  • Limited nightlife within Ingenbohl itself
  • Smaller town with fewer dining and shopping options compared to larger cities
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Wie geht es Ihnen?" - How are you?
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Danke" - Thank you

Places to Visit in Ingenbohl

Visit one of these nice places.

Lakeside promenade in Ingenbohl

Wide, calm waters with mountain reflections, ideal for sunrise or sunset photography and long-waterline shots.

Lake Lucerne shoreline near Brunnen

Dramatic views of the lake with distant Alpine silhouettes; great for wide-angle landscape shots.

Viewpoint above the village

A modest hill or overlook offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills—perfect for golden-hour photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ingenbohl

Swiss cuisine in Ingenbohl blends dairy-rich classics with fresh lake fish and seasonal produce. Expect hearty dishes, precise preparation, and generous portions, all served with a focus on local ingredients and regional specialties.

Ingenbohl Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Rösti

Crispy potato pancake typically served with eggs, cheese, or ham. A Swiss breakfast staple and a common pub dish.

Must-Try!

Älplermagronen

Mountain macaroni with cheese cream, onions, and sometimes applesauce on the side.

Fondue

Cheese fondue served with bread and boiled potatoes; perfect for cooler evenings and social dining.

Zanderfilet vom See

Perch from the lake, typically prepared simply with herbs, lemon, and butter to highlight the fresh fish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local weekly market (nearby towns)

Seasonal stalls offering fresh cheese, breads, meats, and pastries; a great place to sample regional produce.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is influenced by the lake and surrounding mountains. Summers are warm but comfortable, with cooler evenings. Winters are cold with occasional snow; spring and autumn are mild with variable rain. Expect a temperate, year-round climate with scenic seasonal changes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with a polite 'Grüezi' (formal) or 'Grüezi wohl' and eye contact. In more formal settings, address by title and surname.

Punctuality

Punctuality is valued; arrive on time for appointments and reservations.

Quiet hours

Respect quiet hours in residential areas, especially in evenings and Sundays.

Safety Guide

Safety

Switzerland is very safe with low crime rates. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure, be mindful of weather changes on hikes, and know emergency numbers (112 or 144 for ambulance in Switzerland).

Tipping in Ingenbohl

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charge is often included; if not, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants and cafes.

Payment Methods

Cash (CHF) and credit/debit cards are widely accepted; mobile payments such as TWINT, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are common in shops and restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with frequent lake activities; der Mensch flow on the promenade and longer daylight hours. Afternoon showers are possible; bring a light jacket for evenings.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage; fewer crowds and pleasant hiking weather. Pack a sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.

Winter

Cold temperatures and potential snow; cozy indoor dining and scenic snowy landscapes. Roads and trails may be icy, so proper footwear is recommended.

Spring

Rising temperatures with blooming trees and flowers; ideal for outdoor walks and photography of fresh green landscapes.

Nightlife Guide

Ingenbohl at Night

Ingenbohl itself offers a quiet, village-scale scene with cozy pubs and lakeside dining. For more lively nightlife, head to nearby towns such as Schwyz or Lucerne, where bars, live music, and nightclubs are available. Expect relaxed atmospheres, late dinners, and scenic evening views rather than heavy club scenes.

Hiking in Ingenbohl

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Rigi Panorama Trail

A popular route offering sweeping views over Lake Lucerne and the Alps; accessible from nearby towns by cable car or hike.

Sihlsee Lakeside Paths

Gentle trails around the Sihlsee with reflections of the mountains and opportunities for birdwatching.

Einsiedeln Valley Trails

Scenic routes in the nearby valley, combining nature walks with cultural stops like the Benedictine monastery.

Airports

How to reach Ingenbohl by plane.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Major international hub; typically a 1.5–2 hour train or car journey to Ingenbohl via Lucerne and regional connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town is compact and walkable, with a pleasant lakeside path and a central village area. Most sights, eateries, and the waterfront are reachable on foot or by short bike rides. Public paths are well-marked and signage is traveler-friendly.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Primarily German-speaking Swiss residents, with families and retirees forming a stable local community. A small number of visitors and seasonal residents contribute to the year-round atmosphere.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Hiking

Widely enjoyed around Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains; well-marked trails for all levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in Switzerland is reliable and punctual; in Ingenbohl, travel is convenient via trains and buses to nearby towns. Road traffic is light to moderate, with higher volumes during peak tourist seasons. Parking is available but can be limited near the lakefront during busy days.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ingenbohl.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Swiss cuisine often centers on dairy and vegetables; look for rösti, cheese-free salads, roasted vegetables, and seasonal soups. In restaurants, request vegetable sides or dairy-free options; many places are happy to accommodate with advance notice.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Switzerland provides excellent healthcare; you can access clinics and pharmacies in Ingenbohl and nearby towns. Visitors should have travel or international health insurance, and in an emergency call 144. Routine care can be found through local doctors in Schwyz or Einsiedeln if needed.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide