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Intro

Sweeping views to the water meadows of Schwyz narrow at the bridge where Suworow and his army were stopped in late autumn 1799. A tranquil stroll in a famous and history-laden valley.

Detour / Closure

There are detours or closures along this route, for more information see https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route-29/stage-1

Description

This easy hike to Muotathal at the foot of Pragel Pass begins in the lively little town of Schwyz. The capital of the canton of the same name is located between Lake Lucerne and Lake Lauerz, below the twin peaks of the Mythen Mountains. Switzerland actually owes its name and its flag to the town of Schwyz. The cantons of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden formed an alliance in 1291 (the famous Rütli Oath) and in 1315, when they won the battle of Morgarten, they drove the Austrians out of Switzerland.

After just a few steps you’re out in the countryside. Between fruit-bearing trees, the path soon takes you across the Muota, whose source is located around 30 km further up in the Bisisthal Valley. About an hour later the trail crosses the Suvorov Bridge. In 1799, an army of 20,000 Russian soldiers stood their ground there against the French, despite exhaustion, hunger and inadequate equipment and ultimately caused the enemy to flee. Commemorative plaques are provided with a surprisingly neutral inscription of the events. One is attached to the wooden Suvorov Bridge, high above the Muota River. A few more steps and there is the Stoos funicular. With a maximum gradient of 110% (47⁰), it is claimed to be the world’s steepest.

The “Humour Walking Trail” also leads along the Muota River. Boards with jokes from the Muotathal Valley are affixed to various tree stumps. Past the landfill for inert materials, you can see the small waterfall of the Tröliger Bach to the right, while the larger waterfall of the Bettbach is located further toward the front of the Muotathal Valley. A little later, after a hike of approximately 3 ½ hours, this short, history-laden section ends near the Kirchen Bridge, which was built in 2009. The arches are made of regional spruce and connect the two parts of the village of Muotathal.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Schwyz
Destination
Muotathal
Direction
One way
Altitude (meter above sea level)
550 m
Ascent
300 m
Descent
220 m
Distance
14 km
Duration
3 h 30 min
Duration back
3 h 25 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
May - November
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

Pragelpass-Weg

Schwyz - Glarus
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 1/3

Distance

14 km

Duration

3 h 30 min

Ascent

300 m

Travel information: Schwyz

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    valid: 21.05.2026 - 12.12.2026

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  • Einsiedeln Einsiedeln Monastery Private Guided Tour

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    valid: 22.05.2026 - 31.12.2026

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    valid: 21.05.2026 - 18.10.2026

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  • Brunnen Culinary tour "Cradle of Switzerland"

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    valid: 21.05.2026 - 17.10.2026

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  • Brunnen Kayak or Canoe Rental at Lake Lucerne from Brunnen

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    valid: 26.05.2026 - 30.09.2026

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