Things To Do
in Schwyz
Schwyz is a picturesque town located in central Switzerland, known for its stunning mountain scenery and traditional Swiss charm. It is the capital of the canton of Schwyz and has a rich history dating back to medieval times. Visitors can explore the charming old town with its historical buildings and quaint streets, as well as enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing in the surrounding mountains.
Schwyz is also famous for being one of the founding cantons of Switzerland, playing a significant role in the country's history and culture.
- "Grüetzi" - Hello
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please
- "Adieu" - Goodbye
- "Wie geht's?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $20 - $60
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $3 - $6
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Fraumünster Church, known for its beautiful stained glass. Take a leisurely stroll around the historic old town to soak in the architecture.
Enjoy lunch at a local café before heading to the Swiss National Museum, which gives insight into Switzerland’s cultural history. Don’t miss exploring the surrounding gardens.
Dine at a cozy restaurant serving traditional Swiss cuisine. Finish off your evening with a stroll along the Sihl River.
Start early with a hearty breakfast, then set out for a hike in the nearby Mythen mountains. The trails offer various difficulty levels, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at the summit, surrounded by breathtaking views. Afterward, continue your hike or relax and take photos of the landscape.
Return to Schwyz and unwind at a local beer garden. Relish a refreshing drink as you recount the day’s adventures.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery with the Swiss Alps and beautiful lakes.
- Rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
- High quality of life and safety.
- Well-developed infrastructure and public transport.
- Access to outdoor activities year-round, including skiing, hiking, and boating.
- High cost of living, including housing and everyday expenses.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Language barriers for non-German speakers.
- Can be crowded during tourist season.
- Potential isolation due to geographic location in the mountains.
Best Activities in Schwyz
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy stunning panoramic views and well-marked trails as you hike to the summit of Mount Rigi, often referred to as the 'Queen of the Mountains' in Switzerland.
Relax by the serene waters of Lake Lauerz, where you can swim, picnic, or indulge in various water sports while surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Take a scenic bike ride along the shores of Lake Zurich, exploring charming villages and enjoying the picturesque landscape.
Experience the thrill of paragliding and witness breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps as you glide through the sky.
Ride the cable car to the mountain resort of Stoos, where you can find numerous hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Discover the natural beauty of Muotathal Valley through hiking or rock climbing, with its dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations.
Tours
Uncover the best of Schwyz with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Schwyz
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and Lake Lucerne.
Known as the 'Queen of the Mountains' with stunning views of the surrounding lakes and alpine scenery.
A car-free mountain village with spectacular views of the Schwyz Alps and Lake Lucerne.
Food in Schwyz
Schwyz Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty dish made with chard, potatoes, and onions, often served with a side of applesauce. Available at traditional Swiss restaurants like Restaurant Seehof.
Must-Try!
A comforting dish of macaroni, potatoes, and melted cheese, often topped with crispy onions. Can be enjoyed at Gasthaus Alpenblick and many other local eateries.
A sweet and delicious traditional pastry filled with pear, nuts, and spices. Widely available at local bakeries and confectioneries like Bäckerei-Konditorei Berger.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Schwyz better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An excellent place to sample local produce, cheeses, and baked goods, as well as to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Swiss market. Open on Saturdays in Schwyz town center.
A fantastic event showcasing a diverse range of street food from Swiss and international vendors. Offers a great opportunity to taste a wide variety of dishes and flavors, typically held in the summer months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Schwyz, as in much of Switzerland, people value their privacy. Avoid asking personal questions or prying into people’s lives until you know them well.
Always greet others with a polite 'Grüezi' (Good day) when entering shops or interacting with locals. A warm smile and a friendly demeanor go a long way.
Being on time is crucial in Swiss culture, including in Schwyz. Whether it’s for social gatherings or business meetings, make sure to arrive punctually to show respect for others' time.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Schwyz with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Schwyz
Ensure a smooth experience
In Schwyz, Switzerland, tipping is generally not mandatory, as service charges are often included in the bill. However, it is customary to round up the bill or leave a small amount as a token of appreciation for good service. Common practice is to tip around 5-10% in restaurants or cafes. In bars, it's also common to leave the small change.
Payment practices in Schwyz are quite modern and convenient. Most establishments accept major credit and debit cards, alongside cash. Swiss Franc (CHF) is the official currency. Contactless payments and mobile payment systems are widely used. While cash is still accepted, particularly in smaller businesses and markets, it’s becoming less common as digital payment options increase.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Schwyz.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Schwyz is in spring (April to June) when the countryside blossoms with colorful flowers, the temperatures are comfortable and the hiking trails are in prime condition.
During summer (July to August), Schwyz experiences warm temperatures ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming in the lakes, and cultural events such as the traditional Alpine festivals.
In autumn (September to November), the landscape transforms into a stunning display of autumn colors, making it an excellent time for scenic drives and enjoying the local harvest festivals.
Winter (December to February) offers a magical atmosphere with snow-covered mountains and opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying the festive holiday markets.
Schwyz at Night
Hiking in Schwyz
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful nature reserve featuring flat trails ideal for leisurely hiking, with scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
A popular hiking destination offering challenging trails and breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Lauerz and the surrounding Alps.
A well-known peak accessible by hiking trails, offering stunning views and a rewarding experience for both beginners and seasoned hikers.
A picturesque hiking area with various trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty, set in a tranquil landscape.
Known as the 'Queen of the Mountains', Rigi offers extensive hiking trails and spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Plateau.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Schwyz through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Schwyz by plane.
The largest international airport in Switzerland, located approximately 50 kilometers from Schwyz. It serves as a major hub for international flights.
The international airport serving the capital city of Switzerland, Bern. Located around 140 kilometers from Schwyz.
An international airport located approximately 120 kilometers from Schwyz, situated near the borders of France and Germany.
A small regional airport located about 30 kilometers from Schwyz, offering limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group consisting of individuals holding Swiss citizenship.
Includes various non-Swiss residents, encompassing EU nationals and individuals from other countries.
Older adults, typically aged 65 and above, representing a significant portion of the population.
Households that include children, contributing to the demographic structure.
Individuals aged between 18 to 30, who form an essential part of the labor force and community.
Individuals aged up to 18, representing the youth of the region.
The Soul of Schwyz
Discover the essence of Schwyz through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Schwyz, with multiple local clubs and a strong community of players and fans.
Ice hockey enjoys popularity in Schwyz, with local teams competing in regional leagues and attracting a loyal following.
Given the mountainous terrain, skiing is a favorite sport in Schwyz, with several ski resorts and facilities available for both residents and tourists.
Cycling is a popular pastime, with scenic routes attracting both leisure cyclists and competitors in races across the region.
Gymnastics is widely practiced in Schwyz, with various clubs offering training for different age groups and skill levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Schwyz.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Schwyz offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with fresh salads, vegetable risottos, and plant-based entrees being widely available. It's also common for eateries to customize dishes to accommodate these dietary preferences upon request.
Gluten-free options can be found in several restaurants and cafes across Schwyz, with awareness and understanding of gluten-free requirements becoming more prevalent. These establishments often offer gluten-free pastas, bread, and desserts.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Schwyz with these cultural adventures.
