Hiking the Great Mythen: Ascending via Mythenweg

The landmark of Schwyz greets us upon arrival at Brunnen Train Station: the majestic Mythen! The summit is our goal. The ascent is considered a highlight in the region. Even though the mountain barely reaches the 2000 m mark, it majestically dominates the valley. The hike up is short but steep. We have done it and will share everything you need to know.

Referred to as the 'Matterhorn of hikers', it is said that the view from the top offers a magnificent panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

We arrive in the morning at the valley station of the Rotenfluebahn in Schwyz-Rickenbach by bus and train. We take the cable car up to the mountain station on the Rotenflue (1571 m). This route runs parallel to the Great Mythen.

As we look down, we see the turquoise shimmering Lake Lucerne next to Lake Lauerzer. Next to us is the Great Mythen, with the Pre-Alps in the background. The closer we get, the more we can see the switchbacks that will lead us up to the summit.

Upon arrival at the top, we are not yet at the start of the hike. We must first descend.

A short footpath takes us down to the mountain station and mountain inn Holzegg, where the next highlight awaits us: Armin Schelbert, 'the Man', as they call him in the Mythen region. Here you can read more about this wonderful person.

Tip: Here at the mountain inn at the mountain station of the Brunni-Holzegg cable car, you can enjoy very good traditional cuisine. The terrace also offers great views down. It is open daily and ideal for a lunch break after returning from the Great Mythen.

By now, Armin is well-known throughout the region. As the 'Mythen Man', the fit 80-year-old is famous. Awe-struck hikers whisper as they pass us: 'Is that the Man?' - 'Yes,' I respond proudly. For not everyone has the honor of climbing 'his' mountain with Armin.

After a brief introduction, we start our hike. Today marks Armin's third trip to the summit! The path winds through 47 switchbacks up to the summit at 1899 m.

During short breaks, we take advantage of the fantastic 360° panoramic view. The Mythen stands freely on all sides. There are no trees to obstruct our view. Therefore, we also lack sun protection on this hot summer day. A hat and plenty of water, paired with SPF 50 sunscreen help us to prevent sunstroke.

Tip: At turn 29, there is a stone bench, the 'Steinbänkli'. Take a moment to sit down and enjoy the view! There are no water sources during the ascent. Bring enough to drink or refill your supplies at the Mythenhaus's restaurant.

After an enjoyable 1.5 hours, we reach the summit of Schwyz's local mountain. More than 44,000 hikers make their way up here each year. Even though it is not very high, it ranks among the most famous mountains in Switzerland.

At the summit restaurant, the Mythenhaus, we admire the view and enjoy almond and nut croissants sold by the innkeeper. The aroma tempts us and gives us the motivation we need to descend back to the valley.

At the Mythen, one cannot get enough of the view. The farewell is hard, especially since we enjoy going uphill much more than downhill.

But before we leave, Armin shows us his own summit book.

On the descent, you have the option to ride back down with the Rotenfluebahn from the mountain station, or to walk all the way down into the valley. Since we have a commitment in the evening, we will go as far as the middle station to enjoy a few more kilometers in nature.

The town of Brunnen has an ideal location on Lake Urner (the section of Lake Lucerne in this region). Here, you can not only enjoy a drink in the evening at the Apero Bar at the Ochsen but also create your own pocket knife at the Swiss Knife Valley Visitor Center & Victorinox Museum in Brunnen. Professionals only take 30 seconds to make a pocket knife. I, of course, take longer.

For an additional charge of 35 CHF, you can create your own pocket knife - optionally engraved - under guidance. It's genuinely fun and fascinating to see how pocket knives are made. There's also a large shop, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. More information about the museum here

At the Federal Charter Museum in Schwyz, you can read about the origins of Switzerland, as the Morgarten letter of 1291 states that it originates in Brunnen. This is the founding document of the Confederation, and it is treated like a national treasure in Switzerland. Therefore, photography was prohibited here.

The hotel offers rather small rooms that have seen better days. The bathroom is new and the view of the lake is beautiful. In the associated restaurant, you can comfortably dine outside.

The hotel is about a 10-minute walk from the train station, 5 minutes from the bus stop, and 3 minutes from the boat dock. Ideal for exploring the region.

View the hotel on booking.com

To travel around Switzerland, the Swiss Travel Pass is suitable. We purchased the pass for our short trip to Switzerland. This train ticket not only includes travel with the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) but also buses, mountain railways, and boats. Even the ticket for the Bernina Express is included. Access to over 480 museums is also included (for example, the railway museum in Bergün).

More information about the Swiss Travel Pass can be found here

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