Paxmal is a peace monument located in Walenstadtberg Above Walenstadt, in front of the Churfirsten mountain range in Switzerland.

The view of this monument is so incredible with the mountains behind it.

Karl Bickel built this monument between 1924 and 1949 as a symbol of peace.

Paxmal is not only a monument but also a testament to Bickel’s devotion to promoting peace through art and creativity.

The left wall represents earthly life; a human couple in its way of life, and love, development, and procreation.

The right wall represents spiritual life; the awakening, struggling, and evolving of humankind.

Why Was Paxmal Built?

The Paxmal is not a place where you can worship. It is a peace monument, a quiet, peaceful place where you can collect your thoughts, meditate, and contemplation. 

Bickel built Paxmal inspired by Greek temples with mosaic murals and tall marble columns. 

Who Is Karl Bickel?

Karl Bickel was a Swiss artist and pacifist who worked for Swiss Post as a stamp graphic designer.

He lived from 1886 to 1982 and was born in Zurich-Hirslanden. He spent 25 years of his life building Paxmal known as a “peace monument”.

In this time period, he lived as a hermit in this isolated location. 

How do I go Paxmal?

It is an easy day trip from Zurich and Lucerne.

From Zurich, by car, it will take around a 1-hour drive, and from Lucerne around 1 and a half hours to reach the Kliniken Valens Rehab clinic, where you can park your car, but there are so many small parking areas above.

If you are a hiking lover, then I suggest parking your car at the Kliniken Valens Rehab clinic. After that, you can hike for about an hour to reach Paxmal. 

However, if you don’t like to hike, there is a parking area at the top, and from there, you just need a 5 to 10-minute walk away.

I recommend hiking because the view is magnificent.

Also, you can use public transport. The nearest train station is in Walenstadt. From there, you can take a bus to reach Walenstadtburg, then around a 4km hike.

In the end, I would say that Paxmal is an unusual place to visit. However, if you want to see something different, then you must go there.

When you see the work of art, it lets your soul fly in the sky.