Walchwil
A very long time ago, Walchwil was called "Walah-Wilare". It was first recorded as "Walchwile" in the year 1283 in the fiefdom register of the Lords of Hünenberg.1)
Walchwil is located on the eastern shore of the Lake of Zug below the southern hillside of the Zugerberg in the Swiss Midlands. In area it is about 15.9 km² and includes a part of the eastern shore of the Lake of Zug. Walchwil’s deepest point is on the Lake Zug, at 413 m alt. Its highest point is Hagegg at an altitude of 1'204 m.2)
On the North, Walchwil borders on the city of Zug, in the East on the municipality of Unterägeri and in the South on the municipality of Arth in Canton Schwyz. To the West, Walchwil faces the two small communities of Immensee and Meierskappel.2)
Walchwil is nestled on a picturesque hillside between the Zugerberg and the Rossberg, with magnificent views of the Rigi and Pilatus. The regions of Zug and Walchwil are famous for their spectacular sunsets. Because of its sunny situation and mild climate, Walchwil is sometimes called "Riviera of Zug" or the "Nizza of Zug".
The Walchwilerberg
On the other hand, at the top of the Walchwilerberg, about 900 - 1'200 m alt., the temperatures are cooler and less gentle than down in the village. Spring usually arrives with some weeks delay, and the cherry trees come into full bloom later than elsewhere.
In summertime, the Walchwilerberg is a popular place to escape the heat of the city. Escape can start with a leisurely walk through the woods and end with a cozy dinner in a rustic "Wirtschaft".
Autumn is the time of mist and fog. The Walchwilerberg usually lies above the fog line. On top of the mountain, with brilliant sun all around, you can see the entire lake and valley covered with a thick blanket of cloud, sometimes covering all of the Swiss Midlands. It’s an unforgettable sight.
Wintertime is more severe due to the exposed location of the Walchwilerberg. In a few days, more than a meter of snow can fall, covering everything with a soft white mantle. Kids love it, and cross-country skiers have a superb run, starting at Vordergeissboden, through a nature protected area crossing all of the Zugerberg and Walchwilerberg.
The mountainous area of the Zugerberg-Walchwilerberg-Rossberg is busy all year round. It’s a great place if you like to hike, bike, walk, jog, sled, ski cross-country, horseback ride, grill and picnic, or just relax in the sun with a good book.
In this area there are several rural restaurants that offer everything from a simple rustic dinner of local cheese and wine to rich gourmet meal. You can also go to the local cheese dairy on the Walchwilerberg and buy delicious artisan cheeses like Walchwilerbergkäse and Rossbergkäse as well as the famous, ready-to-prepare Walchwilerberg Cheese Fondue.
The most common way to reach the Walchwilerberg is to use public transportation: Go to the main train station in Zug and take the bus to Schönegg (N° 11). At the Schönegg take the "Zugerbergbahn" to the Zugerberg. From the Zugerberg Station follow the signs to Buschenchappeli, it’s about a two-hour walk through a beautiful nature protected area.
If you prefer to go by car, remember that many roads on the mountain are closed to traffic on weekends and holiday. In wintertime, good snow tires are a must. Chains are better. Four-wheel drive is strongly recommended. On the mountain there's only basic snow removal without the use of salt.
Mont Walah Wilare
The name "Mont Walah Wilare" originates from the combination of Mont (Mountain) and Walah-Wilare (Walchwil).
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References:
1) Chronos Walah-Wilare from Stefan, 1994
2) Wikipedia