Goldau

There were numerous historical landslides in Goldau, with a major event, more significant than the 1806 landslide, dated to the 14th century. The toponym itself, first recorded in 1353, refers to the remnants of these landslides, from a dialectal gol, goleten "gravel, rubble, debris".^[2]

On September 2, 1806 heavy rains triggered a landslide from the Rossberg which destroyed Goldau and the adjacent villages of Buosingen, Röthen and Lauerz. The landslide comprised 40 million m³ (52 million cu yd) of material, with a mass of 120 million t (132 million short tons; 118 million long tons).^[3][4]

Part of the mass hit Lake Lauerz (which had been created by an even larger landslide in the 14th century), and the resulting tsunami-like displacement wave caused more devastation towards Seewen. The event destroyed 111 houses, 220 barns, and two churches in a disaster area of about 20 km² (7.7 sq mi), parts of which were covered with debris to a height of 30–70 metres (98–230 ft). It resulted in the confirmed death of 457 people.^[3][4]

The disaster inspired the epic poem Goldau by American writer John Neal in 1818.^[5] A museum outside the Natur- und Tierpark exhibits findings and photos of the event.^[6]

SC Goldau is the city's football club.