Schwyz: History, Moorland and Mountain Trails

Schwyz combines Swiss founding history and cherished traditions with moorland and mountain trails. The canton is part of Central Switzerland and is considered one of Switzerland’s original cantons. The cantonal capital, Schwyz, is about an hour by train from Zurich’s main station.

History and Living Traditions

The exhibition at the Federal Charter Museum in Schwyz presents the most important alliances of the Old Swiss Confederacy. At its heart is the famous Federal Charter of 1291; the collection also includes a unique collection of flags. Those interested in the medieval origins of the Old Swiss Confederacy can visit the permanent exhibition “The Formation of Switzerland. A Journey from the 12th to the 14th Century” at the Forum of Swiss History Schwyz. It is designed as an interactive experience for children and adults. A special feature is the walk-through “Black Room”, which offers a glimpse into medieval domestic life.

The canton’s architectural history can also be explored at a specific site: Altchloster in Muotathal, the old monastery church, is considered probably the oldest surviving building in the municipality. Its consecration certificate dates from 1347 and attests to a building with a late Romanesque basic structure. At the scriptorium of Einsiedeln Abbey, participants learn about writing and bookmaking and get a glimpse of how historical texts were written using a quill and ink. Check the current booking terms before visiting.

Swiss founding history and the legend of William Tell are part of the region’s storytelling tradition. You can hike in the footsteps of these stories on the “Path of Switzerland”. Schwingen, a traditional form of Swiss wrestling, is kept alive alongside folk music, flag throwing and colourful parades. The KantonsChilbi Reichenburg traditionally takes place every year on the weekend of the second Sunday in October; check the exact date for your trip.

Moorland, Forest and Caves

The Bödmeren Forest, a primeval subalpine spruce forest, lies on the route to Pragel Pass. Its core area meets the criteria for old-growth forest; the forest can be explored on official hiking trails. Hölloch is considered one of the largest caves on Earth. In more than a hundred years of exploration, around 190 kilometres have been surveyed so far; the recorded length may increase as exploration continues. Visitors can join a Hölloch tour that has already been arranged and book directly through the booking system. As booking procedures may change, it is advisable to check the latest information in advance.

The Rothenthurm Moor Trail passes through a protected moorland of outstanding beauty and national importance. The landscape includes Switzerland’s largest remaining raised bog and heathland, covering more than 100 hectares. The ten-kilometre Moor Trail is listed as taking about two hours and 45 minutes. Seasonal conditions may affect access, so check conditions before setting out. In autumn, the moorland plants on the Biberbrugg–Rothenthurm moorland plain change colour, giving the landscape a distinctive appearance.

Mountain Trails and Seasonal Experiences

The Mythen Adventure Region is characterised by mountain scenery, green valleys and blue lakes. Hiking options range from leisurely walks to summit tours, with mountain biking and cycling routes, as well as winter walking and snowshoeing in winter. The tours also vary in duration: the ridge trail from Klingenstock to Fronalpstock is listed as taking about two hours and 30 minutes. In Hoch-Ybrig, the network of hiking and walking trails covers more than 100 kilometres; bicycles are transported on the facilities free of charge.

The Stoos lifts provide access to the car-free mountain village of Stoos, including the Schwyz–Stoos funicular and the Morschach–Stoos cable car. The funicular is considered the steepest in the world. Timetables and operations vary by season and schedule, so it is worth checking the connection before travelling. The viewing platform on Fronalpstock offers views of numerous pre-Alpine peaks and more than ten lakes. There is also a playground and, in summer, a petting zoo with little goats.

For a shorter hiking option, the relatively flat Fronalpstock Panorama Trail is accessible with an all-terrain pushchair. The Fronalp Trail offers a different focus: at eleven stations, it provides insights into the lives of the alpine herders on Stoos, their traditions and rituals, including the Betruf alpine prayer and medicinal plants. On Mount Rigi, the 7.1-kilometre, barrier-free Panorama Trail combines 360-degree views of the Alpine landscape with a clearly stated route length.

Winter brings its own activities, too. The winter sports area on Fronalpstock and Klingenstock has 35 kilometres of pistes, cross-country ski trails, a snowpark and winter hiking trails groomed daily. On Fronalpstock, the seasonal airboarding route runs for two kilometres to the chairlift middle station. As activities and grooming may depend on conditions, check the latest situation before making plans. For a fun alternative, Rondo’s Puzzle Trail is about 1.8 kilometres long: it takes around 30 minutes and leads to eight puzzle stations. It is suitable for pushchairs. The trail is intended for summer and winter, but seasonal availability may change.

For trip planning, Schwyzer Wanderwege offers hiking suggestions throughout the canton. The Outdoor Schwyz app brings together information about hikes; check the current availability of this digital service before using it.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Schwyz, Küssnacht, Höfe, March, Einsiedeln, Gersau, Obwalden, Schaffhausen.

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