Discover Schwyz: Museums, history and circular routes

Visitors choosing Schwyz as a travel destination can explore its culture and local history from several perspectives: in museums, at historic buildings and on a village trail with information boards. Topics range from the origins of the Old Swiss Confederacy to individual buildings and a cycling route around Schwyz. When planning your hotel stay, you can decide whether to focus on exhibitions, architecture or a route.

Museums: the Federal Charter and Swiss history

The Federal Charter Museum in Schwyz displays the Federal Charter of 1291 and presents the history and myths of the Swiss Confederacy. Its exhibition on the Old Swiss Confederacy covers medieval life, conflicts and compromises, as well as the battles of Morgarten and Marignano. Original documents and a flag collection are also on display. The collection offers a unique perspective on two national symbols: it is the only collection through which visitors can trace the differing development of the Swiss and Schwyz crosses. The building itself is part of the exhibition and was built in 1936.

The Forum of Swiss History Schwyz focuses on the conditions that led to the formation of the Old Swiss Confederacy in its permanent exhibition, “The Making of Switzerland: A Journey from the 12th to the 14th Century.” Exhibition content may change. Audio guides are available in German, Italian, French and English; confirm their availability before your trip. The History Run Schwyz combines the two museums in a 90-minute guided tour. This is followed by a self-guided orienteering course through the village centre of Schwyz. Advance registration is required for the History Run.

Historic buildings and their architectural history

The Ital Reding-Hofstatt comprises a manor house, the Bethlehem House and an outbuilding that now houses the cantonal library. Ital Reding commissioned the manor house from 1609 onwards. Built in 1287, Bethlehem House is considered a unique witness to the period when the Confederacy was formed. The two dates show how buildings from different periods come together within this group; at the same time, the outbuilding’s present-day use connects it with the historic architecture.

St Martin’s Parish Church also offers concrete points of reference for exploring architectural history and design. The present church is the work of the Singer brothers, Jakob and Johann, from Lucerne, who originally came from Tyrol. The lower section of the tower dates from 1481. On the west façade, a richly articulated porch and the main portal, with a Rococo cartouche at the crown of the door arch, form a barrier across Herrengasse. The church thus brings together an older structural element and a strikingly designed façade.

Village trail or cycling route

The Schwyz Village Trail is an easy 1.68-kilometre circular route with eleven information boards. They share interesting facts about historic squares, public buildings, patrician houses, monasteries, churches and chapels. The start and finish are at the “Schwyz Post” bus stop by the Forum of Swiss History. Alternatively, the Schwyz Tour is a 26-kilometre cycling route around Schwyz. It has 777 metres of ascent and 777 metres of descent, and its season runs from May to October. The tour starts and finishes at Schwyz railway station in Seewen. You can therefore choose between a shorter, themed route with explanatory information and a longer cycling route with stated elevation figures. Route information and stops may change; check the details locally before planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Alpthal, Illgau, Unteriberg, Goldau, Muotathal, Seewen, Stoos, Morschach.

For the broader travel overview: Schwyz.