The recorded history of this small village on the shore of Lake Lucerne can be traced back to an official document which was witnessed and signed by the knight Hermanno de Merlascachen in 1168. It is believed that this nobleman lived in a tower on the peninsula where an estate called "Burg" (fortress) still exists today. The name Merlischachen is derived from the Latin word "merula," which means blackbird, and from the German word "Schachen," meaning a small forest on a lake or stream. Another explanation is taken from the local coat of arms which is a green branch of an alder tree, "Erlenzweig," hung with flowers and fruit on a gold background. This is reminiscent of "im Erlischachen".
Besides farming and related branches of agricultural industry, the restaurant and hotel business has developed considerably in recent years.
By Car:
- From Zurich Airport, take the A1 motorway towards Zurich/Lucerne.
- From Zurich, take the A3 motorway towards Lucerne.
- Take exit 35 Horgen towards Zug, Lucerne.
- At Rotkreuz, take the A4 motorway towards Gotthard.
- Take the next exit, exit 41, for Küssnacht am Rigi.
- At the 1st roundabout, take a left for Merlischachen after 5 km.
By Train:
A train to Merlischachen runs every hour. It is a 12 minute journey from Lucerne.