The Glattalp

When people talk about the hiking areas of the Canton of Schwyz, the names that usually come up are Stoos or the Mythen region. But the canton has far more to offer. The Glattalp in the Muotathal is one such gem, a place of extremes and quiet beauty that fascinates nature lovers and energy engineers alike.

Switzerland's Siberia: winter cold records

The Glattalp bears an unflattering but accurate nickname: the «cold chamber of Switzerland». In winter the high valley at around 1,850 metres above sea level regularly turns into one of the coldest inhabited places in the country. Temperatures of minus 30 degrees and below are no rarity, and on particularly cold nights minus 52.5 degrees has been measured here.

The particular topography is responsible for these extreme temperatures: the valley forms a hollow in which cold air collects and cannot drain away, a phenomenon meteorologists call a cold-air pool. While milder temperatures prevail on the surrounding heights, the valley floor freezes mercilessly. This climatic peculiarity makes the Glattalp an important measuring site for climate research.

The Glattalpsee: a source of energy in the mountains

What many people do not know: for more than 50 years the Glattalp has made an important contribution to the energy supply of Schwyz. The natural lake on the Glattalp has been used by ebs energie AG for environmentally friendly electricity generation since 1970. The water is captured underground and carried through a pressure pipeline several kilometres long to the Sahli power station, supplying electricity for around 4,000 households.

The technical infrastructure is remarkable: the pressure tunnel is fitted with a railway, though it is not open to the public. It allows ebs staff to reach the Glattalp even in winter, when the snow there lies several metres deep for months at a time, a feat of engineering in one of the coldest places in Switzerland.

The Glattalpsee blends harmoniously into the landscape and is a popular subject for photographers: in summer the surrounding mountains are mirrored in the clear water, and in winter the ice cover can take on impressive forms. The use of hydropower here is a good example of how energy generation and nature conservation can exist side by side.

A hiking paradise for explorers

In summer the Glattalp shows its friendlier face. The high valley is the starting point for numerous hikes of every level of difficulty. From leisurely strolls around the Glattalpsee to demanding mountain tours up the surrounding peaks, such as the Ortstock, anything is possible.

Especially popular is the loop around the Glattalpsee, which can be done in a good two hours and suits families too. If you have more time, you can walk on in various directions. The variety of routes makes the Glattalp an insider tip for anyone who wants to get off the beaten track.

The flora on the Glattalp is remarkable. Despite the harsh winter conditions, alpine roses, gentians and numerous other alpine plants flower in summer. The diversity of species is one reason why parts of the area are under nature protection.

Getting there: into the mountains by public transport

An important note for all visitors: the Glattalp is best reached by public transport. From Schwyz the PostBus runs into the Muotathal and on to the valley station of the cable car. The road into the valley is narrow and parking is limited.

Arriving by public transport is not only ecologically sensible but also more relaxing: you can enjoy the ride through the picturesque Muotathal without worrying about finding a parking space or the state of the roads.

A place for every season

The Glattalp is a place of contrasts. In winter one of the coldest places in Switzerland, in summer a blossoming hiking paradise. A place where technology and nature, energy generation and nature conservation come together.

Anyone who visits the Glattalp should bring time, not only for the hikes but also for the stillness and the spaciousness of this special place. Here, where the cold rules in winter and the mountains greet you in summer, you sense what the Canton of Schwyz is about at heart: unspoilt nature, alpine traditions and the ability to live with the challenges of the mountain world.