This is Muotatal
Muotatal is known for the vast Hölloch cave, its ancient forest and its weather prophets. The valley lies in Central Switzerland, in the canton of Schwyz, east of Lake Lucerne.
Discover Muotatal
Muotatal is a long, narrow mountain valley. Including its Alpine pastures, the municipality of Muotathal is one of Switzerland’s ten largest by area. Farming families make cheese on the Alpine pastures in summer. You can sample it at the Muotathal Alpine Cheese Market in October. At the Pragel Pass, at the far end of the valley, the primeval forest trail takes you through Bödmerenwald, one of Switzerland’s most unspoilt forests. Some trees are up to 500 years old.
Explore Hölloch cave
At over 200 kilometres, Hölloch is Switzerland’s longest cave. For a time, it was the longest known cave in the world. In 1875, mountain farmer Alois Ulrich became the first person to venture into its dark passages, equipped with a ladder and lantern. Today, you can explore the developed section of the cave on a guided tour. When everyone switches off their lamps, you experience complete darkness.
Predicting the weather
The so-called «Muotathaler Wetterschmöcker» predict the weather by observing nature, including the behaviour of ants. In Swiss German, «schmöcken» means to smell. The methods used by the six weather prophets are not scientifically proven, and they themselves describe their forecasts as a blend of knowledge and humour. On the Wetterfrosch circular trail in Muotathal, you can learn how they read the signs in nature. The short walk takes around 45 minutes.
Around Muotatal
At the entrance to Muotatal, the Stoosbahn funicular departs for the car-free village of Stoos. It tackles gradients of up to 110%. Its round cabins rotate to keep passengers level throughout the journey. At the top, chairlifts take you to Klingenstock and Fronalpstock. On clear days, you can see ten lakes from the ridge trail between the peaks.
Experience Muotatal for less
Stay overnight in the canton of Schwyz and you’ll receive the
Schwyz Guest Card. It offers discounts on museums, excursions and mountain railways, including the Stoosbahn and husky tours in Muotatal. The guest card also gives you a reduced price on the 24-hour bus and train ticket for the Schwyz fare network.
