Schwyz is a town of 15,000 people (2018) in Central Switzerland, and capital of the Kanton of the same name. It is home to the Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation.
Understand
[edit]Schwyz is the seat of Victorinox, one of two "official" suppliers of Swiss Army Knives.
Get in
[edit]By train
[edit]- 1 Schwyz railway station.
Get around
[edit]
Map of Schwyz
See
[edit]- 1 Forum Schweizer Geschichte Schwyz, Hofmatt. Closed M. A history museum in an 18th-century building. The permanent exhibition focuses on everyday Swiss history. Objects and information about everyday life in different periods of history are on display.
- 2 Ital-Reding-Haus, Rickenbachstraße 14, ☏ +41 811 45 05. Just one of the many mansions from the time of the mercenary service in Schwyz, which, as a living museum, brings the visitor closer to the splendor and wealth of the 18th century. Also on the site is the Bethlehem House, a lovingly restored wooden house from the 13th century.
- 3 Museum of the Swiss Charters of Confederation (Bundesbriefmuseum), Bahnhofstrasse 20. Closed M. Housing what was long thought of as "Switzerland's birth certificate". In addition to the Federal Charter from 1291 (the founding document of the Swiss Confederation), other important freedom documents and historical flags are on display.
- 4 City hall (Rathaus), Hauptplatz (main square). Its lavish painting makes it a popular photo subject.
Do
[edit]Summer
[edit]- Hiking: The main square is also the starting point for numerous hikes in the surrounding mountains. For those unfamiliar with the area, it is advisable to bring a hiking map with you, despite the good signage. A special experience is watching the sunrise on the Grosser Mythen (only recommended in midsummer). It is best to start on a full moon night from Holzegg (if you are a good walker, you can easily manage the route in two hours).
- Swimming: The Schwyz community's lakeside resort sits on the shores of Lake Lauerz in Seewen. In midsummer, the water temperature is often over 28 °C (82 °F). Those who prefer cooler water can head to Brunnen on Lake Lucerne.
- Sailing: Lake Uri is one of the best thermal areas in Switzerland. Launch in Brunnen or Sisikon (for a fee). Guest berths are available in the harbor of Brunnen.
- Mountain bike: From Schwyz, you can take countless tours: for example, via Morschach, Sisikon up the Riemenstaldental and over the "Höchi" to Muotathal and back to Schwyz. Or you can drive up the Ibergereggpass road and turn left towards Holzegg, from where you can find your way back to Schwyz before or behind the Mythen to Haggenegg towards Mostelegg and Sattel. Another worthwhile tour leads from Schwyz via Lauerz over the Gätterlipass to Gersau and from there back to Schwyz. You can also reach the Bernerhöchi via Lauerz, from there you turn left up to the Rigi.
Winter
[edit]- Skiing: Three ski resorts are within easy reach from Schwyz:
- Mythen ski region: By car, about 10 minutes towards Ibergeregg or by shuttle bus from Schwyz Postplatz. There are various day, half-day and multi-day passes that allow you to use between 3 and 15 ski lifts/cable cars. Very family-friendly small ski area.
- Stoos: By bus or car (towards Muotathal) you can get to the Schlattli valley station of the funicular railway to the car-free spa town of Stoos. The Stoos ski area includes the facilities on the Klingenstock and the Fronalpstock. A panoramic restaurant with a phenomenal view of Lake Lucerne awaits you on the Fronalpstock. Also suitable for beginners.
- Sattel-Hochstuckli: By bus or car you can reach the valley station near the village of Sattel in just a few minutes. Four cable cars/lifts, very suitable for families.
- Ice skating: Zingel ice rink in Seewen.
- Hölloch[dead link]. With a length of over 190 km, it is one of the longest caves in the world. In winter, various guided expeditions (from 7 hours to 3 days) are offered; in summer, only the front developed part can be visited.