Rothenthurm can be explored through two very different aspects: the moorland between Rothenthurm and Biberbrugg and traces of the Letzi in the village. When planning your visit, it is worth distinguishing between the nature reserve, which can be visited year-round, and seasonal trail conditions. The moorland plateau can be visited all year round and is especially appealing in autumn. Some hiking trails through the raised bog are closed in spring to protect ground-nesting birds.
Raised Bog: Landscape and Trails
The largest raised bog in Switzerland stretches between Rothenthurm and Biberbrugg. From Rothenthurm railway station, the raised bog is just a short walk away. The Rothenthurm Moor Trail runs for ten kilometres from Biberbrugg to Rothenthurm and passes through a protected moorland landscape of exceptional beauty and national importance. Forests, waist-high ferns and open spaces shape the trail; orchids, cotton grass and marsh gentian grow in the open areas.
The terrain also varies: the Moor Trail runs along gravel tracks, footpaths and corduroy paths. It is rated as easy in terms of technical difficulty and fitness, and the season is listed as May to November. Picnic areas with grills and benches along the way invite you to stop and relax. The ten-kilometre trail connects two places, while the winter hiking trail loop returns to its starting point. The two trails therefore differ not only in season but also in route format.
Winter Trails and Snow Sports
The Rothenthurm winter hiking trail is seven kilometres long and forms a loop via Steinstoss. The route is listed as having 50 metres of ascent and a duration of two hours and five minutes; access in winter depends on the weather. Those looking for a shorter route can take the mechanically groomed Chli Morgarten–Müllern sledding run: it is about 1,200 metres long and accessible from Rothenthurm railway station, but is groomed only when there is sufficient snow.
The Rothenthurm Finnenloipe is groomed for both classic and skating techniques. Routes of seven, eleven, 15 and 20 kilometres are available. The loop starts and ends near the Red Tower and the railway station; facilities include a changing room and ski rental. A three-kilometre loop is illuminated on weekdays from dusk until 9 p.m. There are different route lengths to choose from, as well as an illuminated evening loop, without needing to combine the options into one tour.
The Neusell ski lift area offers up to ten kilometres of varied, naturally rolling slopes. From Biberegg train stop, it is a seven-minute walk to the ski lift. The Rothenthurm snow sports school offers private ski lessons for children and adults every day. As seasonal planning is important, it is advisable to check lesson dates before travelling.
Letzi and Local History
The Letzi Wall was built around 1310 across the valley for protection. The Letzi Tower was built in 1323 and gave Rothenthurm its name. Today, all that remains of the former Letzi is the tower with its archway between Restaurant Adler and the former Restaurant Kreuz; it is part of the village’s character. The village centre also contains the 14th-century Letzi Tower and the parish church of St. Antonius. Construction of the present-day parish church began in 1873, and it was consecrated on 11 May 1940.
Altmatt is also connected with Rothenthurm’s history: from 1833 to 1847, the Schwyz cantonal assemblies met there on the first Sunday in May for the Landsgemeinde. The site behind the Schäfli inn is still known as the Landsgemeindeplatz. The victorious Battle of Rothenthurm took place on 2 May 1798. Another historical landmark is the Rothenthurm Holy Sepulchre, created in 1688 and one of the oldest preserved Holy Sepulchre sets in the southern German and Swiss regions.
The hamlet of Biberegg is home to the historically significant Loreto Chapel, which can be explored on a circular route. A mule and pilgrimage trail dating from the 14th century also crossed the Altmatt, running from Schwyz via Sattel and Biberegg towards Einsiedeln and Lake Zurich. The moorland and local history offer different focuses for planning a trip, from a trail through the raised bog to the village’s historical connections.
Discover more destinations: Sattel, Illgau, Brunnen, Alpthal, Goldau, Muotathal, Morschach, Riemenstalden
See the main travel overview: Schwyz.
