Fantastic hike in
Central Switzerland |
Mythen views Round Trek

An easy and family-friendly circular trek from Schwyz up and around the Gibelhorn mountain. This hike in Central Switzerland does not only offer amazing views of the impressive Mythen mountains. In addition, you will be surprised more than once by the versatile sceneries and captivating views. Check it out and enjoy!

Zentralschweiz | The beating heart of the country

This great hike in Central Switzerland kicks off in a town called Schwyz. Schwyz is the capital of the same-named canton Schwyz. The canton of Schwyz is located in beautiful and versatile Central Switzerland. It is surrounded by the Alps to the south, Lake Lucerne to the west and Lake Zurich to the north.

Therefore, one can easily say that geographically, Central Switzerland defines the beating heart of the country.

In addition, one might have guessed it from the name, there is something special about this place. You got it! Switzerland´s name (“Schweiz” in German) is derived from the canton´s name.  Furthermore, some people say, that the Swiss flag also derived from its coat of arms. We get the feeling, don´t we? Schwyz was pretty important in the history and making of the country.

The birth of Switzerland

In fact, the canton of Schwyz is one of the founding cantons of Switzerland. On August 1, 1291, the three cantons of Schwyz, Uri and Unterwalden entered into an alliance. This alliance would result in the Swiss Confederation.

This special event turned out to be the birth certificate of current Switzerland. As a consequence, August 1 is still THE most important national holiday and proudly celebrated year after year.

Magical Mythen mountains

Right here in this historically important place, we parked our car and embarked on a new adventure. The first overwhelming sights which captured our attention were without a doubt the Mythen mountains. We did not even step out of the car yet!

The two striking mountains are THE backdrop of Central Switzerland. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that there are fantastic walking and hiking trails around them. 

The ascent to the Great Mythen is relatively steep, rocky and with exposed sections. Consequently, this mountain trail is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. Some people say, that a climb to the imposing mountain is one of the things that you have to do at least once in your lifetime. The 360-degree panorama that awaits you on top, makes you forget all struggles.

The safe and sound hike in Central Switzerland

Hmm, we were rather planning to take it nice and easy today. No dangerous struggles or exposed sections, but rather enjoyable safe, steady ascents and great unexpected views. We opted for the safe and sound hike in Central Switzerland. And rest assured, we were not disappointed!

Firstly, the yellow signages led us from the Schwyz hospital parking via a track across the fields towards Waldegg. Then, the trail changed into an asphalt road, keeping the striking Mythen mountains always on our left.

The day was pretty warm and there were hardly any clouds in the sky. Soon we started to sweat whilst steadily walking upwards. However, elegant manor houses, superb views, lush green lawns and happy cows made up for the little effort. We passed a lovely chapel dedicated to St. Anthony, close to Immenfeld and continued our way up to Perfiden.

Into the woods

From here soon we reached the Gibelwald forest, where we were rewarded with the much-needed cooling shades of the trees. 

This is where the “Gibelhorn-Rundweg” – the circular trail of Gibelhorn mountain – starts. We turned to the right and continued the ascent on a forest road.

In need of a little more? The ZURICH vitaparcours

In addition, for those who want and need a little more exercise, there is the ZURICH vitaparcours. The vitaparcours is a jogging and fitness circuit with a variety of different fitness stations. The motto: Switzerland is fit.

And the fitness craze is contagious. Once you are surrounded by an ever cycling, walking, hiking, jogging and running nation, you also want to get your act together, as well!

The vitaparcours give you just the right setting to do that. Around 500 Zurich vitaparcours circuits await you in the Swiss forests for your daily dose of outdoor exercise. From courses with 15 positions and 43 exercises to short courses with at least 6 positions. Above all, the courses are spread across all language regions and can be used around the clock.

We, however, ignored the invitation for additional fitness efforts and happily walked on. After a while, on the forest road, we reached the Gibelhorn peak. From there a short 50-meter detour leads you to the “Känzeli”, an exceptional viewpoint. What made it even more extraordinary, was the fact, that we did not expect this view at all!

Gibelhorn “Känzeli” | An unexpected and very welcomed viewpoint

As a matter of fact, I was a tiny little bit unimpressed by the walk up to the peak. Firstly, the gravel road meandered slowly and uneventfully upwards. Secondly, the mountain flank to your left and a wall of trees to your right prevented nearly every glimpse of a view. In conclusion, this part of the route felt a tiny-winey bit boring.

However, we were soon proven wrong, as we reached the “Känzeli” viewpoint. The place was simply amazing and we were very lucky to have the only bench there to ourselves. As a result, after having taken plenty of pictures, we sat down and took a short break. The views over Rigi mountain, Brunnen resort and Lake Lucerne were simply breath-taking. I regretted my nasty thoughts about the “boring path” immediately.

What we did not know at that point in time, we were still up for more impressive sights!

Views of Muotal valley | Another unexpected and delightful sight

After this little refreshment stop, we continued the walk through the forest. Newly revitalized by a handful of grapes and the wonderful views, we went straight back to enjoying this hike in Central Switzerland! In addition, the hardest part was over and we were already on our descend.

As if to eliminate the feeling of “uneventfulness” once and for all, the viewpoint was followed by an even more spectacular sight. The view of the Muotal valley. Remarkable. Wonderful. Incredible. Perfect.

The landscape was so beautiful to look at… it almost hurt. The smell of freshly cut grass and the bleating of the sheep complemented this fairy-tale scene.

The steepest funicular railway in the world

From here the path led us via lavish green lawn towards an asphalted road. To the right, we could see the famous “Stoosbahn”. The steepest funicular railway in the world!!

In seven minutes, one can go upwards, gaining 744 metres elevation whilst standing horizontally in the cabin at all times. This is due to an automatic level compensation system. Funtastic!

The funicular takes you from Schwyz-Schlattli right about the clouds. On the other end, you get out and simply cannot believe it. A delightful alpine landscape welcomes you – bliss.

If you want, walk up from Stoos (1,300m) to the peak of Fronalpstock mountain (1,922m), where you can enjoy the most unbelievable views. From there you can take the cable car back down to Stoos. Another superb hike in Central Switzerland which we highly recommend!!  

A piece of chocolate cake and the return trip

After this one-of-a-kind-experience, it was time for ice cream. We found it, along with an unnecessary but very tasty, piece of chocolate cake in the small village Uf Ibrig.

From Uf Ibrig we descended back down into the forest. At the starting point of the ZURICH vitaparcours close to Perfiden, we completed our Gibelhorn round trek.

The final section of this surprising hike in Central Switzerland led us via Perfiden and Rickenbach back to Schwyz hospital.

One last time we took in the panorama of the magical Mythen mountains. We sat down in our trunk, took a long breath in and a full breath out. What an unexpected hike in Central Switzerland!