The flag collection at the Federal Charter Museum offers a special insight into Swiss history: it is the only collection that allows visitors to trace the different development of the Swiss and Schwyz crosses. The museum also displays the Federal Charter of 1291 and presents the history and myths of the Swiss Confederation. Its exhibition explores medieval life, conflicts and compromises, as well as the battles of Morgarten and Marignano. Items on display include original documents and flags.
Museums and the History of the Confederation
The Federal Charter Museum building is also part of the exhibition. It was built in 1936—another historical reference point alongside the older documents and topics on display in the museum.
At the Forum of Swiss History in Schwyz, the permanent exhibition “The Making of Switzerland: From the 12th to the 14th Century” explores the conditions under which the Old Swiss Confederacy came into being. Audio guides are available in German, Italian, French and English; check their availability before your trip. If you would like to visit both institutions as part of one program, the History Run Schwyz combines them in a 90-minute guided tour. This is followed by a self-guided orienteering course in the village center of Schwyz. Advance registration is required to take part.
Historic Buildings and Their Details
The Ital Reding-Hofstatt estate comprises a manor house, Bethlehem House and an outbuilding that now houses the cantonal library. Ital Reding had the manor house built from 1609 onward. Bethlehem House dates from 1287 and is considered a unique witness to the period in which the Confederation was founded. The different dates give each building its own historical significance.
Another architectural example is the present-day parish church of St. Martin. It is the work of the Singer brothers Jakob and Johann from Lucerne, who originally came from Tyrol. The lower section of the tower dates from 1481. On the west façade, the richly articulated porch and the main portal, with its Rococo cartouche at the crown of the door arch, stand out. The façade forms a barrier-like end to Herrengasse.
Schwyz on Foot or by Bike
The Schwyz Village Walk is an easy, 1.68-kilometer circular route. Eleven information panels share details about historic sites, public buildings, patrician houses, monasteries, churches and chapels. The walk begins and ends at the “Schwyz Post” bus stop by the Forum of Swiss History. Check stop information before your visit, as bus stops may change.
The Schwyzer Tour offers a different scale for exploring by bike: the mountain-bike route around Schwyz is 26 kilometers long, with 777 meters of ascent and 777 meters of descent. It starts and finishes at Schwyz railway station in Seewen. The season is listed as May to October; check the route information before setting off.
These options offer different ways to explore: the short village walk covers various topics through information panels, while the Schwyzer Tour describes a longer route with specified elevation gains. When planning your stay, you can compare these details with your interest in museums, architecture or cycling and allocate time according to your preferred focus.
Discover more destinations: Goldau, Stoos, Sattel, Illgau, Arth, Oberiberg, Lauerz, Riemenstalden.
Return to the main travel overview: Schwyz.
