Rothenthurm: Raised Bog, Village History and Winter Trails

Rothenthurm can be explored through three very different aspects: its moorland, local history and winter sports. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can plan around the season and your interests. Raised-bog trails and historic sites sit alongside cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, winter hiking and sledging when there is enough snow.

Raised Bog and Trails Through the Landscape

The largest raised bog in Switzerland stretches between Rothenthurm and Biberbrugg. It lies within a protected moorland of outstanding beauty and national importance. The Moorebene nature reserve can be visited year-round; autumn is particularly appealing. The open moorland is also part of the 40 km Herzroute stage between Einsiedeln and Zug.

The 10 km Rothenthurm Moor Trail runs from Biberbrugg to Rothenthurm. Along the way, the landscape alternates between forests, man-high ferns and open areas with orchids, cotton grass and marsh gentians. Gravel lanes, footpaths and wooden corduroy paths make up the terrain. The route is rated easy in terms of technical difficulty and fitness; the stated season is May to November. Barbecue areas and benches along the trail invite you to take a break. The raised bog is just a few steps from Rothenthurm railway station.

In spring, some hiking trails through the raised bog are closed to protect ground-nesting birds. Check local conditions before setting out. This lets you factor the moorland into your plans without confusing a trail closure with the stated season for the Moor Trail.

Local History Around the Letziturm

The village centre is home to the 14th-century Letziturm and St. Antonius parish church. The Letziturm was built in 1323 and gave Rothenthurm its name. Of the former Letzi, built across the valley around 1310 as a defensive barrier, only the tower with its gateway remains today, between the Adler restaurant and the former Kreuz restaurant. It is part of Rothenthurm’s village landscape.

Construction of the present-day parish church began in 1873; it was consecrated on 11 May 1940. The Battle of Rothenthurm is also part of the village’s history: it took place on 2 May 1798 and ended in victory. From 1833 to 1847, the Schwyz cantonal assemblies met on the first Sunday in May for the Landsgemeinde at Altmatt. The square behind the Schäfli inn is still called Landsgemeindeplatz today.

Another historical connection leads beyond Altmatt: the first known packhorse and pilgrimage route of the 14th century ran from Schwyz via Sattel and Biberegg towards Einsiedeln and Lake Zurich. The historically significant Loreto Chapel is in the hamlet of Biberegg and can be explored on a circular walk. Created in 1688, the Rothenthurm Holy Sepulchre tableau is one of the oldest surviving examples of its kind in southern Germany and Switzerland.

Winter Sports and Different Timeframes

The Neusell ski lift area offers up to 10 km of varied, naturally undulating pistes. The layout may change from one season to the next; check the information for your travel dates. From Biberegg railway stop, the ski lift is a seven-minute walk away. Rothenthurm can be reached by train from Arth-Goldau or Biberbrugg; check the current timetable before travelling.

The Rothenthurm Finnenloipe is groomed for both classic and skating techniques, with route options of 7, 11, 15 and 20 km. The circular trail starts and ends near the red tower and the railway station. The trail network includes a changing room and ski rental. A 3 km loop is lit on weekdays from dusk until 9 pm. The Rothenthurm snow sports school offers private ski lessons for children and adults every day; check seasonal arrangements before your trip.

For a winter walk, there is a 7 km circular route via Steinstoss, with 50 m of ascent and a stated duration of 2 hr 5 min. Winter access depends on the weather. Another option when there is enough snow is the mechanically groomed Chli Morgarten–Müllern sledging run: it is about 1,200 m long and can be reached from Rothenthurm railway station. The details highlight different aspects: the winter walk lists its duration and ascent, while the sledging run gives its approximate length.

Discover more destinations: Seewen, Stoos, Riemenstalden, Alpthal, Illgau, Brunnen, Rickenbach Bei Schwyz, Morschach

For the overview of the wider region: Schwyz.