A major award for the Lower Lorze

An independent jury, chaired by Christa Rigozzi, selected eight Swiss streams and rivers that they deemed especially pristine and beautiful – including the Lorze. On 3 October 2024, Ruedi Bösiger from River Pearl Association presented representatives of the municipalities of Cham, Hünenberg, Maschwanden and Obfelden with a sculpture made from a stone from the Lorze in honour of their nomination.

Alexander Grütter, Head of Hydraulic Engineering, Canton of Zug
‘The award for the Lower Lorze below the Frauental power plant shows that the canton of Zug offers outstanding habitats for a wide range of species – despite the region’s growth. Restricting access to this area makes it even more precious for flora and fauna.’

Renate Huwyler, Mayor of Hünenberg
‘The municipality of Hünenberg is proud to be home to a gem like the Lorze, with all its positive effects on biodiversity.

A very special river

The Lorze leaves Lake Zug in Cham and flows through the municipalities of Cham, Hünenberg, Maschwanden and Obfelden for around 10 kilometres, before finally emptying into the Reuss there. It meanders through floodplains and bogs of national significance as well as amphibian spawning grounds. The river itself provides a spawning ground for the endangered nase (a rare species of fish). In addition, all three native crustacean species (white-clawed crayfish, stone crayfish and noble crayfish) can be found in the area, as well as various amphibians and protected dragonflies. For its part, the point where the Reuss and the Lorze converge offers suitable habitats for kingfishers and beavers. This is a fascinating waterscape that people can be justifiably proud of. Its natural structures and high level of biodiversity make the Lorze below Frauenthal Abbey, right up to its confluence with the Reuss, a potential candidate for the ‘Gewässerperle PLUS’ quality label.

Georges Helfenstein, Mayor of Cham
‘We are proud of the pristine natural landscapes and recreational areas in our municipality, including the Lorze. We are delighted that it has been nominated as a “Gewässerperle” and will continue to do our bit to preserve it going forward.’

As part of the sculpture unveiling, Ruedi Bösiger paid tribute to the communities’ commitment. The municipalities now have the opportunity to have their dedication to the Lorze recognised with the ‘Gewässerperle PLUS’ label. The seal of approval pays tribute to precious streams and rivers, as well as the commitment of the people behind them. It is awarded for five years, during which time an action plan for the further development of the waterway will be implemented.

Stephan Hinners, Mayor of Obfelden
‘Obfelden residents can discover nature practically on their doorstep, courtesy of near-untouched bodies of water and forests. Awarding “Gewässerperle” certification to the Lorze is not only a symbol of its beauty, but also proof of our shared commitment to preserving these valuable habitats.’

Ernst Humbel, Mayor of Maschwanden
‘The Lorze is a natural gem that has evolved over the centuries with almost no regulations, projects or construction work.’

Pictured from left to right: Stephan Hinners, Obfelden; Alexander Grütter, Canton of Zug; Peter Weiss, Obfelden; Renate Huwyler, Hünenberg; Georges Helfenstein, Cham; Ernst Humbel, Maschwanden; Ruedi Bösiger, Gewässerperlen (from left to right).