Schwyz, Switzerland

Hofstaff Ital Reding in Schwyz, Switzerland
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ital-Reding-Hofstatt_Schwyz.jpg
Author: Pakeha


Schwyz is the name of the capital of the eponymous Schwyz canton in Switzerland. Located 516 m (1,693 ft) above sea level, it spans over 53.25 sq km (20.56 sq mi) and has a population of 14,500 people (2012 estimate).

This is the town which gives its name to the country, from which we get Switzerland. The name is traced back to AD 972, when there was a village named Suittes. It was not immediately adopted by the whole confederacy, with some cantons resentful of its use, particularly in the 15th century. But by the 16th century, names such as Schwytzerland became popular. It is the precursor to the English form, Switzerland. In Swiss-German, the name became Schwiiz, which renames the Swiss form for the country.

The earliest settlement in the town of Schwyz is traced to the 8th century. The parish church and village church itself were built during this period. According to 16th century historian Johann Stumpf, the town originally comprised a square, a town hall, a church, a cemetery and a cluster of wooden houses.

The canton of Schwyz, of which the town of Schwyz served as capital, has been in existence as early as the 13th century. To differentiate between them, the town was often called Kilchgassen. Today Schwyz remains a charming Swiss town with a number of well-preserved houses which are listed as Swiss heritage sites of national significance.

Grosshus, Schwyz
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Grosshus_Schwyz_www.f64.ch-2.jpg
Author: www.f64.ch

Visiting Schwyz

Schwyz is located to the east of Lucerne and to the south of Zürich. From Zürich, take the A4 motorway heading south to reach it.

Sights & Attractions in Schwyz

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