Schwyz Tourismus Bahnhofstrasse 4 - Postfach 655 CH-6431 Schwyz

Tel. +41 41 855 59 50 Fax

At the foot of the two Mythen peaks, tranquillity, tradition and innovation characterise Schwyz, the village that gave its name to Switzerland.

The village centre is rich in historic buildings and opens onto a large square which is rightly considered one of the most beautiful in the country.

Schwyz is also home to the first federal archives and the 1291 Pact.

Schwyz gave its name to Switzerland (German: Schweiz), but the origin of the name goes back to 972, when it appeared in the form Suittes to designate the inhabitants of the region, who cleared the surrounding forests by burning them to build and cultivate.

The name thus comes from the Old High German word suedan, meaning "to burn".

As in many Swiss cities, the modern part of the city is not very attractive and you have to go to the old town to fall under its spell.

It is there, on the main square and in the surrounding area, that the soul of the place is revealed. The photos in the gallery and the slideshow as well as the panoramas were all taken in and around the square.