Muotathal and the Hölloch
Beyond Schwyz opens the Muotatal, a long valley that stands for rugged tradition and adventure. Here lies the Hölloch, one of the longest cave systems in the world; here grows the largest primeval spruce forest in the Alps; and here live the «Wetterschmöcker», the weather prophets whose forecasts keep the whole of Switzerland talking every year.
Things to do in the Muotathal
- Hölloch: more than 210 kilometres of explored passages. Guided tours range from a short beginners' trek to an expedition with an overnight stay inside the cave.
- Bödmerenwald and Silberen: the largest primeval spruce forest in the Alps and the karst landscape of the Silberen make for a nature experience of a very particular kind.
- Pragelpass: the narrow pass road into the canton of Glarus at 1,548 metres is a favourite with cyclists. On the Glarus side, motor vehicles are banned at weekends.
- Weather prophets: twice a year the Muotathal «Wetterschmöcker» announce their forecasts, an event with cult status.
- Suvorov: in 1799 the Russian general marched his army through the valley; much in the village still recalls the battle in the Muotatal.
The Hölloch
The Hölloch stretches beneath the mountains of the Muotatal as a vast, branching labyrinth. It has been explored since the late nineteenth century, and every expedition adds further kilometres. That makes it one of the longest cave systems in the world.
Visitors can choose from guided tours at several levels. The shortest last about an hour and are manageable for families; the longer ones go deep inside and include a night underground. What they all have in common: it is narrow, damp and dark, and you come out dirty.
Important to know: the Hölloch is an active water cave. Heavy rain can flood it within hours, which is why tours only run with a guide and only in suitable conditions. Exploring on your own is life-threatening.
Bödmerenwald, Silberen and Glattalp
Above the valley floor lies a high plateau that is among the most impressive places in the canton. In the Bödmerenwald, ancient spruces stand on fissured karst, some on bare rock, some in deep clefts. It is the largest primeval spruce forest in the Alps, and on overcast days it feels positively enchanted.
Beyond it stretches the Silberen, a wide karst landscape of smoothed limestone with channels, holes and shafts. There are paths, but they demand attention, because in fog finding your way is difficult. The same high country includes the Glattalp, a remote alp with a lake that counts as one of the coldest places in Switzerland.
A rugged valley with traditions of its own
The Muotatal has kept its own character. Best known are the weather prophets, who twice a year derive their forecast from observations of nature and attract attention far beyond the canton. The valley is also home to «Naturjodel», a wordless form of yodelling with a long tradition here.
The valley entered the history books in 1799, when the Russian general Suvorov led his army over the Pragelpass into the Muotatal and fought engagements with French troops. Today a hiking trail follows his route over the passes.
Tip: Helmet, headtorch and overalls are usually included on cave tours. Bring a change of clothes and sturdy shoes all the same.
Getting there
Bus from Schwyz to Muotathal, journey time around twenty minutes. By car via Schwyz and Ried.
The valley is long and its attractions far apart. For the Bödmerenwald and the Silberen, go right to the head of the valley; the Glattalp is reached by cable car. Plan your return with the timetable in mind, because buses at the far end run much less often than in the lower valley.
Public transport: Train to Schwyz, bus to Muotathal.
