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Beckenried
Schweiz - Vierwaldstättersee - Beckenried 0236.jpg
Coat of arms of Beckenried
Coat of arms
Beckenried is located in Switzerland
Beckenried
Beckenried
Location in Switzerland
Beckenried is located in Canton of Nidwalden
Beckenried
Beckenried
Location in Canton of Nidwalden
Country Switzerland
Canton Nidwalden
District n.a.
Area
 • Total 24.23 km2 (9.36 sq mi)
Elevation
435 m (1,427 ft)
Population
 (Dec 2020 )
 • Total 3,742
 • Density 154.44/km2 (399.99/sq mi)
Postal code
6375
Surrounded by Buochs, Emmetten, Ennetbürgen, Gersau (SZ), Isenthal (UR), Oberdorf, Wolfenschiessen

Beckenried is a charming municipality located in the canton of Nidwalden in Switzerland. It sits right on the beautiful shore of Lake Lucerne, making it a popular spot for visitors. This village is known for its stunning views and as a gateway to the mountains.

A Glimpse into Beckenried's Past

The story of Beckenried began over 2000 years ago. The first people to settle here were from the Alamanni tribes.

Early Settlements and Important Buildings

During the Middle Ages, the land around Beckenried was owned by powerful groups. These included Engelberg Abbey and other important families. Two old tower houses in the village, called Retschrieden and Isenringen, were built in the 1200s. They belonged to important local families.

When Was Beckenried First Mentioned?

Beckenried is first mentioned in old documents in 1262. This was in an agreement about a nearby pasture, which is a field for animals to graze. Later, in 1314, the village was called Beggenriet.

Exploring Beckenried's Geography

6681 - Rigi - Beckenried viewed from near Rigi Staffelhöhe
Beckenried seen from across Lake Lucerne

Beckenried covers an area of about 32.95 square kilometers (about 12.7 square miles). A large part of this land, almost half, is used for farming. Another big part, about 37%, is covered by forests.

How Beckenried is Laid Out

The municipality is a linear village. This means it stretches out in a line along the shore of Lake Lucerne. It includes the main village of Beckenried and its different parts, like Oberdorf, Niederdorf, and Dorf.

Connecting Across the Lake

An interesting feature is the Beckenried–Gersau car ferry. This ferry connects Niederdorf in Beckenried with Gersau. Gersau is on the opposite side of Lake Lucerne.

Who Lives in Beckenried?

Beckenried IMG 0237-2014
The waterfront in Beckenried during early November

Beckenried has a population of about 3,567 people as of 2016. The number of people living here has been growing steadily.

Population Mix and Age Groups

In 2015, about 12.6% of the people living in Beckenried were from other countries. Children and teenagers (ages 0-19) make up about 20.7% of the population. Adults (ages 20-64) are the largest group at 61.7%. Seniors (over 64 years old) make up 17.6%.

Languages Spoken

Most people in Beckenried speak German. About 95.3% of the population uses German as their main language. English is the second most common language, followed by Serbo-Croatian.

Population Growth Over Time

The chart below shows how Beckenried's population has changed over many years:

Fun Things to See and Do in Beckenried

Beckenried offers many interesting sights and activities.

Important Buildings and Chapels

Some of the main places to visit include:

  • The church of St. Heinrich and its cemetery chapel.
  • The Ridli chapel.
  • The chapel of St. Anna.
  • The Klewen chapel.

Local Events and Heritage

Beckenried also hosts fun events like the Älplerkilbi (a fun fair) and the St. Nikolas market. The village of Beckenried and the small community of Ridli are recognized as important Swiss heritage sites.

Adventures in the Mountains

From Beckenried, you can take the longest cable car in central Switzerland. It goes up to Klewenalp, which is a popular place for holidays. You can enjoy it both in winter for skiing and in summer for hiking!

Beckenried's Economy and Jobs

Beckenried is considered a suburban community. This means it's a place where people live and often travel to nearby cities for work.

Types of Jobs in Beckenried

In 2014, there were over 1,100 jobs in Beckenried. These jobs were spread across different types of businesses:

  • Primary sector: About 158 people worked in farming and other basic industries.
  • Secondary sector: Around 258 people worked in manufacturing and construction.
  • Tertiary sector: The largest group, 751 people, worked in services like tourism, shops, and offices.

Tourism and Entertainment

Tourism is important here. In 2015, hotels in Beckenried had over 27,000 overnight stays. Many of these visitors came from other countries. There is also a movie theater in the municipality with 198 seats.

Learning in Beckenried

Education is important in Beckenried. About 75% of adults (ages 25-64) have completed either high school or gone on to higher education. This includes university or a specialized college (called a Fachhochschule).

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Beckenried para niños

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