Plizio Visual Lab

Grosser Mythen

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

The Grosser Mythen is an 1,898-meter mountain in the Schwyz Alps, serving as the iconic landmark of the canton of Schwyz. Because of its distinctive, isolated pyramidal shape, it is clearly visible from far across the Central Swiss plateau. Geologically, the mountain is composed of Helvetic limestone, forming a klippe that rests upon softer flysch layers, resulting in its dramatic vertical faces. A famous mountain trail with 47 switchbacks leads from Holzegg to the summit, making it one of the most popular hiking destinations in Central Switzerland. The first official path was constructed in 1864 to accommodate the growing number of visitors. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of Lake Lucerne, the Glarus Alps, and the Swiss Mittelland. Despite its relatively modest altitude, the steep terrain requires sure-footedness and a good head for heights. Thousands of people hike to the top each year, often timed to witness the spectacular sunrise over the surrounding peaks.

Location: Switzerland
Top sights: Tschütschi · Kapelle St. Maria Magdalena · Antoniuskapelle
Nearby: Ingenbohl (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-4	1	5	10	14	16	15	11	7	2	-3
Rain mm	101	81	102	107	163	176	173	190	124	110	103	106

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The Grosser Mythen is usually accessed from Brunni via the cable car to Holzegg, where the famous Mythenweg trail with its 47 hairpin turns begins. Alternatively, one can ascend from Schwyz via Rickenbach, which requires significantly more vertical gain and better physical fitness.

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Best season

The official hiking season usually starts in May and ends in October, coinciding with the operating hours of the summit restaurant and the cable car. In the event of snow or ice, the Mythenweg is closed, as the steep rock flanks are life-threatening for normal hikers in winter.

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Terrain & paths

The ascent takes place on a very steep but well-maintained rocky path that winds spectacularly through the steep limestone pyramid. The terrain is extremely exposed but secured with chains at critical points, providing a sense of safety despite the vertical drops nearby.

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What to bring

Hiking boots with a very good profile sole are indispensable to find a secure grip on the often polished limestone of the 47 hairpin turns. Since the path is almost entirely exposed to the sun, sun protection and plenty of water are absolutely necessary, especially on hot summer days.

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Parking

In Brunni (Alpthal), there are large paid parking lots directly at the valley station of the Holzegg cable car, which often fill up early on weekends. It is advisable to arrive early in the morning or to hike during the week to avoid the large crowds of visitors from the Zurich area.

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Safety

The path is well-secured but requires a total absence of vertigo and steady footing; overtaking should only be done at wider sections of the trail. Watch out for rockfall triggered by hikers ahead, and remain on the designated path at all times for your own safety.

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Time needed

From Holzegg, the ascent to the summit takes about 60 to 90 minutes, and the descent on the steep path takes almost as long. Overall, you should plan about 3 to 4 hours for the entire experience, including a break at the summit to enjoy the view over Lake Lucerne.