SCHWYZ
- Apr 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 9
Schwyz, the canton that gave Switzerland its name: how a small Alpine valley became a symbol of independence and the birthplace of the state, giving the entire country its red flag and white cross.
SCHWYZ: ICONIC LANDMARKS
The lakes, mountain pastures and villages around Riga create the "classic Alpine landscape" most often associated with Switzerland.
Schwyz is one of the oldest cantons of Central Switzerland, giving the entire country its name. Among the lakes and wooded slopes, the beginnings of Swiss history are particularly clear here.
The capital, Schwyz, lies between Lake Luzern and Lake Lauerz. The town was almost completely rebuilt after a 17th-century fire, but the central square with its painted town hall and austere Baroque buildings still recalls the times when the fate of the cantonal union was decided here. The Federal Charter Museum houses a document from 1291 — one of the main symbols of Switzerland's birth.
Rigi, a mountain that has become a classic symbol of the central part of the country, rises above the region. Its slopes offer a rare panorama of several lakes, and the gentle curves of the hills contrast with the rugged cliffs surrounding them.
Schwyz is also known for less obvious places. Hidden in the Muotatal valley is the Hölloch Cave, a vast underground world of stalactites and rock galleries. Nearby lies the island of Ufenau in Lake Zurich, with the remains of an ancient temple and an early Christian church.
SCHWYZ: COAT OF ARMS' HISTORY
The red shield and cross became one of the sources of the future symbol of the entire country – the Swiss flag.
Schwyz is one of those cantons without which Switzerland simply wouldn't exist. As early as the 13th century, it had its own red flag — simple, rectangular, and unadorned.
According to legend, it was under this tower that the Swiss fought at Morgarten in 1315. This battle effectively forged the independence of the Swiss Confederation after the brilliant victory of the Swiss infantry, consisting of 1,300 peasants from Schwyz, as well as 300 from Uri and 100 from Unterwalden, over the knightly cavalry of the Austrian Habsburgs.
The ancient flag and coat of arms of Schwyz are practically a manifesto of minimalism: simply red cloth. No lions, eagles, or towers. Pure color. If there had been an avant-garde in the Middle Ages, someone would have surely said, "Hello, Mr. Malevich." Red is interpreted as a symbol of blood shed for freedom. And this is not a late romantic notion — for the canton's residents, it has always been a sign of military honor and independence.
The white cross appeared later. From the 14th and 15th centuries , a depiction of the Crucifixion — a complex composition with numerous details — was placed in the corner of the flag. In 1479, Pope Sixtus IV officially permitted Schwyz to place the crucifixion scene in the corner of the flag. But over time, the complex religious motif was simplified to a simple white cross.
Interestingly, the cross's position varies: on the coat of arms, it's on the right (in the second quadrant, according to heraldry), while on the flag, it's on the left. Schwyz is one of a rare trio of cantons where the coat of arms and flag slightly "conflict" with each other. However, the contradiction is resolved quite simply: if the flag is hung as a standard, the positioning is the same as on the coat of arms.
Most importantly, it was the red field with the white Schwyz cross that became the prototype for the flag of Switzerland as a whole. When the overall symbolism was being developed, the symbol of one of the oldest cantons was used as a basis. Thus, the country's name, its flag, and part of its national identity all originated from a single small mountainous region.
A white cross on a red background is also associated with the patron saint, Saint Roch. According to legend, he was born in France around 1295 with a cross-shaped birthmark on his chest. At a young age, he went on a pilgrimage to Rome, which was then engulfed in the plague. Roch began caring for the sick, miraculously healing many people throughout Italy. When Roch himself contracted the plague, he was banished from the city and sent to die in an abandoned forest hut. According to legend, a dog brought him bread, and the saint was soon healed. Saint Roch is revered as the patron saint of the plague, pilgrims, surgeons, and dogs. A good man.
The austere red field of Schwyz contains something of its history: resilience, sacrifice, and simplicity. No pretentiousness — just color and symbol. Sometimes the most powerful symbols consist of just two elements. Red. White cross. And behind them, an entire country.
SCHWYZ: FUN FACTS
Of how harsh mountains can be soft and cozy.
In the canton of Schwyz lies a small commune called Küssnacht. It has about 13,000 happy residents, a lake, mountains, and one of the most welcoming coats of arms in the country. At first glance, it resembles a Swiss cross. But take a closer look and it becomes clear: it's not a cross at all, but a pillow. Yes, a real pillow, with its distinctive shape and soft contours.
The name "Küssnacht" sounds almost like "goodnight kiss" or "goodnight and kisses" in German. Of course, linguists will explain that the origins of the toponym are far more complex and ancient. But popular imagination prevailed over philology. And here's the result: instead of menacing lions and eagles, a symbol of home comfort. In a land of rugged Alpine peaks, one commune has officially placed a pillow on its shield. This is perhaps the most gentle way to declare itself on the heraldic map of Switzerland.
SCHWYZ: ALPINE SKIING
The resorts of the Mythen and Stoos region are popular with families and those who prefer quieter slopes.
While in central Switzerland, take the opportunity to discover the sunny side of the Schwyz Prealps and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The ski resort of Mythen invites you to enjoy the sun and breathtaking alpine views on the terraces of its popular mountain restaurants.
A pleasant, family-friendly, and cozy resort: a charming natural arena with 50 km of ski slopes and direct access to the Hoch Ybrig peak , offering sunny snowshoeing and hiking trails. In summer, countless hiking trails, unique routes, and exceptional natural diversity await.
Stoos is a charming, uncrowded, car-free resort located above the village of Morschach in the upper reaches of a high-mountain valley. Beautiful contrasts: freeriding enthusiasts and cozy tourist romance.
The plateau offers 35 kilometers of varied slopes, idyllic cross-country ski trails, an aeroboard and sled track, winter sports schools, a children's ski area with a new magical lift, winter hiking trails, cozy restaurants, snowshoe trails, and much more. A truly unique experience awaits you with the view from the Fronalpstock, offering a breathtaking panorama of more than 10 Swiss lakes and, on less clear days, a magnificent blanket of fog.
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