Things to see in Schwyz: the town that gave Switzerland its name

Schwyz gave Switzerland its name, its flag and its founding document. Even so, most travellers pass it by on the way to Lucerne. The compact town lies as if in a natural amphitheatre below the two rock pyramids of the Mythen, ten minutes from Lake Lucerne. The valley station of the Stoosbahn, the steepest funicular in the world, is practically on the doorstep. Here is what is worth seeing in Schwyz and its immediate surroundings.

1. Stand in front of the federal charter of 1291

The alliance of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden from 1291, with which the history of Switzerland begins, is kept in Schwyz. You can see it in the Bundesbriefmuseum. There is a particular appeal in looking at the parchment with its seals in the very place that gave the country its name. Just around the corner is the Forum of Swiss History, the central Swiss branch of the National Museum. More about both museums in post Federal Charter Museum and Forum of Swiss History.

2. Look at the main square and the town hall

The main square is the centre of the town. Around it stand baroque townhouses, the substantial parish church of St Martin and the town hall. Its façade frescoes show scenes from the founding story, among them the battle of Morgarten. The square is at its most pleasant on market mornings, when you can look out at the fountain over a coffee.

3. Visit the Ital Reding-Hofstatt

Two minutes' walk from the square lies the Ital Reding-Hofstatt, a stately 17th-century country seat with its own garden. Inside, panelled ceilings and historic furnishings have been preserved. They convey an impression of the era in which Schwyz families grew wealthy in foreign service. On the same grounds stands the Haus Bethlehem (1287), one of the oldest wooden houses in Switzerland and thus older than the Confederation itself.

4. Up to the Mythen

The Grosser and Kleiner Mythen shape the skyline of Schwyz; you see them from every street corner. Experienced mountain walkers climb the Grosser Mythen on its 47 hairpins. How that tour works is described in post Grosser Mythen. More leisurely is the ride with the Rotenfluebahn from Rickenbach up to the panoramic balcony of the Mythen region. Up there you will find gentle paths with wide views and a few alpine inns.

5. Ride the steepest funicular in the world

The valley station of the Stoosbahn is just outside town. The railway climbs at gradients of up to 110 % and its barrel-shaped cabins rotate during the ride. After seven minutes you are at car-free Stoos, where the well-known ridge hike between Klingenstock and Fronalpstock begins. Because the railway starts right by the town, Stoos suggests itself as the first excursion from Schwyz. More in post Stoos Ridge Hike.

6. Pocket knives and alpine cheese

Schwyz is the home of Victorinox. The original pocket knife has been made in the neighbouring village of Ibach since 1884. At the brand store with visitor centre in nearby Brunnen you can assemble your own knife, as described in post Victorinox in Brunnen. Anyone interested in regional food will find alpine cheese from the pastures around the Mythen and in the Muotatal in the town's shops. The bakeries and cafés in the lanes of the old town are worth a stop too.

7. Down to Brunnen on the lake

To Brunnen on Lake Lucerne it is a twenty-minute walk along the Muota, or just a few minutes by bus or train. There you will find the lakeside promenade and the boats that cross the Urnersee to the Rütli and into the country of the Tell legend. More about the town in post Brunnen on Lake Lucerne.

8. Experience local customs

Customs in Schwyz are not staged for visitors; they are part of everyday life. Come at the right time and you can still be part of them:

• Carnival (January/February): the well-known masked figures move through the lanes.
• Swiss wrestling: in summer, wrestling festivals take place in the sawdust all over the canton. They are down to earth and open to visitors. How to attend one is explained in post Experiencing Schwingen.
• 1 August, national day: fires burn on the heights and the fire cross glows on the Grosser Mythen. In this founding canton the national holiday carries particular weight.

Practicalities

Getting there: Schwyz is on the main Gotthard line, around 40–45 minutes from Lucerne and an hour from Zurich (changing at Arth-Goldau). The station (Schwyz-Seewen) lies below the town. The buses wait for the trains and take you to the centre in five minutes.

How much time? For the town, the federal charter and the Forum, half a day is worthwhile. With Stoos or the Mythen, Schwyz easily fills two full days. As a base it is cheaper and quieter than Lucerne while lying closer to Stoos, the Mythen, the Rigi (via Arth-Goldau) and the lake.

Best time: May to October for the mountains, December for the quiet weeks of Advent and carnival time for the mask culture.

FAQ

Is Schwyz worth a visit?

Yes, especially if you are interested in Swiss history. With the federal charter, the historic townscape and the Mythen behind it, Schwyz offers a great deal of history in a small space, and it is noticeably quieter than Lucerne.

What is Schwyz known for?

Schwyz gave Switzerland its name and flag, keeps the original federal charter of 1291 and is the home region of the Victorinox pocket knife.

How much time do you need for Schwyz?

Half a day is enough for the town itself. Add Stoos, the Mythen region or the lake and you are there for one to two days.

Is Schwyz a good base for central Switzerland?

Yes. Stoos, the Mythen, Brunnen and the Rigi are all less than 30 minutes away, and the main line connects you directly with Lucerne and Zurich.