On Sunday (4 January 2026) the traditional New Year's reception took place in the Walchwil community hall. The Walchwil municipal council, led by Mayor Stefan Hermann, warmly welcomed the guests.

In a relaxed atmosphere, young and old were able to exchange ideas and discuss issues with the authorities. The event was well attended and provided an excellent opportunity to promote social cohesion and underline Walchwil's commitment to the concerns of its population.

A particular highlight of the evening was the excellent canapés that were served. Such gatherings are an important part of tradition in Walchwil and create moments of exchange and appreciation.

It was gratifying to see that a number of newcomers and expats also took part in the event, thus underlining the diversity and openness of the Walchwil community. kh.

On Saturday (27 December 2025) an impressive cowbell exhibition took place in the Walchwil community hall. The event was organised by Toni Hürlimann and his brother Franz, who presented over 1,400 of his handmade cowbells.

The exhibition, which is unique in Switzerland, offered visitors the opportunity to experience local traditions up close. Small examples were available from as little as 50 Swiss francs, while the largest and most special ones cost up to 1,400 Swiss francs. The event was accompanied by a festive atmosphere and, in the evening, by the trio ‘Echo von Riedberg’, which created a festive atmosphere.

There was great interest in local customs, and the exhibition attracted many visitors from near and far, including quite a few from Austria. A similar event had already taken place in 2022, which also met with great interest. The current exhibition continued this tradition and highlighted the importance of the cultural heritage of Trychlen for the region. Of the 1,400 objects, 1,100 were for sale. The diversity of the Trychlen on display made the exhibition unique. kh.

The Walchwil municipal council expects a revenue surplus of CHF 3.7 million in its 2026 budget and is therefore proposing a reduction in the tax rate from 53% to 51% of the cantonal standard rate.

The 2026 income statement forecasts expenses of CHF 27.4 million and income of CHF 31.1 million. The positive results and stable development of recent years have made the proposed tax rate reduction possible.

Compared to the 2025 budget, expenses will increase by CHF 1.7 million. The main reasons for this are higher material and operating expenses (e.g. LED conversion, road maintenance, digital information pillars, feasibility studies) and a higher contribution to the Zug financial equalisation scheme (ZFA). On the other hand, depreciation and amortisation will decrease.

Despite the lower tax rate, the municipality expects higher tax revenues, as income from natural persons has exceeded expectations in recent years. Overall, revenues will increase by CHF 3.7 million compared to the previous year.

Important investments in the future
‘It is gratifying that Walchwil is in such a good financial position. Despite upcoming major expenditures, a tax reduction is possible,’ says Mayor Stefan Hermann.

Several key projects are planned for the coming years, including:
– Construction of a new nursery school
– Construction of a new after-school care facility (SEB)
– Redesign of the municipal works/recycling centre
– Renovation of various municipal roads

The 2026 investment budget provides for net expenditure of CHF 6.4 million (previous year: CHF 1.2 million). This includes, among other things:
– CHF 1.5 million for optimisations to school buildings,
– CHF 0.7 million and CHF 0.1 million respectively for competition and project planning loans for the construction of a new kindergarten and new after-school care facilities (SEB),
– CHF 3.4 million for the complete renovation of Hinterbergstrasse (Hinterwald to Hinterberg).

‘Thanks to our responsible financial policy, we can now tackle these important projects and implement them step by step,’ said Hermann

An anti-cat initiative is causing discussion. There are too many cats in Switzerland.

The fact is that cats are by far the most popular pets in this country and their population is growing continuously. According to the Identitas national database, there are currently more than three quarters of a million cats – and that's just the registered animals. The exact number of cats in this country is not known. This is because, unlike dogs, they are not subject to registration. Identitas estimates the cat population in Switzerland at over two million animals, almost 758,000 of which are currently registered in the database - twice as many as a few years ago.

This is how many cats there are in Walchwil

Number
250 (6.5 cats per 100 inhabitants)

Most popular breeds (absolute)
European domestic cat: 121
European Shorthair: 27
British Shorthair: 16
Crossbreed: 16
Bengal: 8
Maine Coon: 8

Source: Identitas

The Walchwil International Men’s Club (WIMC) continued its engaging journey of uncovering Walchwil’s hidden gems with a recent visit to the Chäs-Hütte Rust, a cherished institution dedicated to the art of cheesemaking.

This initiative is part of the Club’s broader effort to deepen members’ appreciation of the local community, its history, and its traditions.

Over the past months, the WIMC has discovered a variety of Walchwil’s cultural and industrial highlights, from the Eichhof Distillery and the Fishbrutanlage to the village’s drinking water supply system. The Club has also celebrated local traditions by hosting performances by, and socializing with, the Yodel and Alphorn Groups, reinforcing its mission to explore and engage with both the tangible and intangible treasures as well as the people of the community.

This time, 20 members gathered at the Chäs-Hütte, where André Rust warmly welcomed them and guided the group through his impressive production facilities. During the tour, he shared fascinating insights into the cheesemaking process, fielded many curious questions, and demonstrated the passion and craftsmanship behind his renowned products.

The evening was infused with the rich aromas and flavors of cheese. Members enjoyed a convivial Apéro featuring a delightful selection of Rust cheeses paired with fine wine. The tasting offered a perfect moment for members to relax and exchange impressions.

The evening did not end there. The group continued to the Pfaffenboden restaurant, where proprietors Luca and Clara extended a warm welcome. A special dinner awaited, with the highlight being a unique twist on the traditional Älplermagronen, elevated with Rust cheese. The combination of local ingredients, inventive cooking, and warm hospitality rounded off the night beautifully.

The event was unanimously praised as a memorable experience. Members left with not only a deeper understanding of Walchwil’s cheesemaking traditions, but also with renewed appreciation for the community’s dedication to preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage.

The Walchwil International Men’s Club looks forward to its next adventure as it continues uncovering the secrets and stories that make Walchwil such a remarkable place to call home. Stephen George

Self-employed carpenter and joiner Nicolas Petit-Barreau and Catherine De Wolf, professor at ETH Zurich in the field of circular and sustainable construction, have collaborated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on an innovative architectural project that combines sustainable materials, craftsmanship and digital fabrication.

The installation ‘VAMO’ is currently on display at the Arsenale in Venice. Below you will find the brochure (in English) available at the exhibition.

Further information
Nicolas Petit-Barreau
Mobile +41 76 504 61 47
Anku - Artisans
VAMO

The exemplary organisation of FC Walchwil's Grümpel tournament once again attracted numerous football enthusiasts to the Lienisberg this year.

Despite the hot weather, the 17 teams and their players were joined by football fans throughout Saturday. The visitors saw exciting and fair matches and did not regret the trip to the Lienisberg. Team Weizenwunder – a team made up of players from Walchwil, Zug and Cham – won the mixed category, while the Flexboys from Walchwil won the open category. Team Ginger/Dale won the Beerpong tournament in the evening.

For more pictures see photo gallery Grümpelturnier 2025

The municipality of Blatten, which was severely affected by the landslide, is receiving emergency aid totalling CHF 50,000 from Walchwil.

Affected by the devastating events in Blatten, the Walchwil municipal council has decided to show solidarity with the mountain community. The financial support is intended to help the local people to cover their first urgent needs.

With this gesture, Walchwil expresses its sympathy to the people of Blatten and wishes them much strength and confidence for the upcoming period of possible reconstruction. Walchwil municipal council

In summery temperatures, the senior citizens met in the parish centre for the traditional barbecue.

The participants savoured delicious barbecues and various salads. An excellent dessert to round off the great event. The visitors not only enjoyed the delicious food, but also the opportunity to socialise with other parishioners. The Walchwil women's community ensured that everything ran smoothly and that the guests were warmly entertained. Special thanks to the tireless helpers for their tireless efforts.

Chäs-Hütte Rust is now offering a wide range of products from Fyrabigmetzg in its vending machines.

Fyrabig Metzg, a small butcher's shop in Arth, is known for its home-made products from its own slaughter and its shop sales on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The decision to offer the Fyrabigmetzg range in the vending machines serves as an expansion of the range. In addition, a wide range of barbecues will be available with immediate effect. Chäs-Hütte Rust is delighted to be able to offer its customers these high-quality products. Irene Heinrich

On the evening of 2 May 2025, a wonderfully impressive concert took place in the Walchwil Reformed Church.

The four talented musicians Anna Veronika Mischol, Andri Mischol, Bertina Adame and Tobias Renner performed selected works by Telemann, Goldberg, Bach and Soler and delighted the audience with their virtuoso technique and high level of musicianship. The harmonious and different combinations of recorder, violin, organ, harpsichord and spinet provided a varied and special sound experience.

The church was well attended and the atmosphere was both festive and relaxed, even though the high room temperature demanded a lot from the audience, but above all from the performers and the delicate instruments. After the concert, the guests had the opportunity to get together on the outdoor terrace with cool drinks and to review the musical impressions in a relaxed and good-humoured atmosphere. It was a very successful evening, which above all celebrated the music, but also our Walchwil community.

Text and pictures: Antje Gehrig

A new sign of hope in the Walchwil Reformed Church: on Easter Sunday, Pastor Antje Gehrig-Hofius lit an Easter candle for the first time in this beautiful church.

Plain and simple, as an unmissable light, it will remind us throughout the year of the strength with which we are sent into everyday life in the family and at work. Resignation, pusillanimity and fear should not dominate our world and our lives. A new vision may awaken us and a broader horizon may guide us to stand by life in freedom and justice and to go our own way.

Hans Ruedi Kilchsperger

It only happens in Walchwil: palm tying, a tradition handed down through generations that emphasises the unique culture of the village.

Around 200 palms are tied from ten different types of trees and shrubs. On the Saturday before Palm Sunday, the palms are blessed in the church and brought to the people of Walchwil by the children. (The children are happy to receive a contribution). The palms are intended to decorate the buildings and protect them from adversity. Let us hope that this culture, which characterises the village, will continue to be cultivated with heart and soul for a long time to come. kh.

Yesterday, April 1, it was the 20th session start for the Bike Club Walchwil.

The weather was beautiful and fresh – and yes, 20 active bike friends showed up for this jubilee start. President Henrik Steffensen gave a short welcome speech with some general information for the year and a briefing on the new regulations for biking in the mountains.

Then everyone was ready, and the tours went up in the beautiful spring weather (Oberwil-Walchwil), after a good ride it was wonderful that a member had invited to a small evening finish for the start tour.

All in all, we had a great start and are pleased with everyone who participated in making this 20th jubilee session start something very special.

Bike Club Walchwil meets every Tuesday at 18:00, at Dorfplatz, from where starts (from May we start at 18:30).

Anders Borgen

Most people probably go skiing on the Stoos in the Muotathal, but not the men's team.

After it was still bitterly cold in the Muotathal with temperatures below zero, we were able to warm up properly in the Hölloch at 6 degrees. The Hölloch is one of the largest cave systems in the world with over 207 kilometres of measured passages. After initial professional instructions, we were able to really prove ourselves on the rope and by crawling through narrow passages. The ambition was similar to that in the hall and could be clearly recognised on some faces...

After the physical exertion, everyone was probably glad to be released back into the daylight. The delicious and friendly hospitality in the Hölloch restaurant afterwards was a worthy end to this great excursion. Some of us probably still felt their bruises for a long time.

Many thanks to Martin for the perfect organisation!

Guido Pirovino

In heavy rain, the marquee on the Pfaffenboden was full for the yodelling mass with the alphorn players. Community leader Benjamin Meier invited guests to stay for greetings from the presidents and a speech by the chronicler, who spoke of four old aunts to be celebrated today: 150 years of the residents‘, citizens’, corporate and Catholic parishes.

Such an anniversary may not seem so exciting, but it is certainly cause for gratitude: 150 years of tried and tested institutions that shape and promote public order (‘liberté - égalité - fraternité’). Freedom of establishment was and is both an achievement and a challenge. We can be grateful to have suitable, strong institutions for this. The President of the Church Council spoke with reason about the future. It is surprising to discover that the Protestant Reformed parish of the Canton of Zug is even older than the Catholic parishes in the canton! The government council had already approved a separate parish for Protestant immigrants in 1867, with foresight and without a legal basis, which was only created later for all parishes. In Walchwil, we will also be celebrating 60 years of existence of our pretty Reformed church next Sunday.

In any case, the Reformed are happy about the four ‘old aunts’ in the village: the residents‘, citizens’, corporate and Catholic parishes. We congratulate them on their anniversary!

Hans Ruedi Kilchsperger
Bezirkskirchenpflege Ressort Walchwil

Anyone who earns more than a million a year can save a lot of tax in Central Switzerland. The municipalities of Wollerau SZ, Feusisberg SZ and Walchwil ZG stand out in particular.

The top ten municipalities with the highest millionaire density include four municipalities in Central Switzerland. Wollerau SZ and Feusisberg SZ are at the top. Also represented are Walchwil ZG and Freienbach SZ.

Incidentally, apart from Central Switzerland, the highest number of income millionaires in Switzerland is to be found on Lake Geneva.

These are the top ten
11. Wollerau SZ (4.1 percent)
12. Feusisberg SZ (3.3 percent)
13. Vandoeuvres GE (3.2 per cent)
14. Cologny GE (2.7 per cent)
15. Walchwil ZG (2.2 per cent)
16. Freienbach SZ (2.1 per cent)
17. Pierrafortscha FR (2 percent)
18. Rossenges VD (2 percent)
19. Buchillon VD (1.9 per cent)
10. Küsnacht ZH (1.9 percent)