Two-Day Family Itinerary in Canton Schwyz: Hiking, Views & Lake Cruise

Are you looking for a fun, family-friendly two-day itinerary in canton Schwyz? We have the perfect trip for you! This journey will take you through the “Erlebnisregion Mythen,” a part of the Kinderregion, (region for children) offering amazing experiences for everyone.

On this trip, you’ll explore the lesser-known Muotathal area while hiking the Krafthweg in Rothenthurm. You’ll spend the night in the stunning mountain village of Stoos, accessible by the world’s steepest funicular railway (Standseilbahn), making the journey itself an adventure. The trip concludes with a scenic cruise on Lake Lucerne, also known as the Urnersee (Lake Uri).

If this sounds like the perfect getaway, keep reading and follow our footsteps through this two-day family itinerary in Canton Schwyz.

Click on the Google map to get full access to the area and understand more of where all the points are on our two day family itinerary in canton Schwyz.

Day One: Hiking the Krafthweg in Rothenthurm

During the summer, popular Swiss hiking trails can get quite crowded. That’s why we seek out lesser-known regions and their hidden gems, like Rothenthurm’s Krafthweg in Schwyz.

Central Switzerland and its canton Schwyz are easily accessible by public transportation and offers plenty to explore. It didn’t take long for us to discover Rothenthurm and its unique theme trail, the Krafthweg.

Getting There

For this two-day itinerary in Schwyz, we opted for a point-to-point trip, traveling by train and bus. This way, everyone could relax and enjoy the scenic journey.

Rothenthurm is accessible by train and bus from many parts of Switzerland:

• Zürich: 1h 8min
• Lucerne: 55min
• Lausanne: 3h 28min
• Chur: 2h

If you prefer to drive, there’s a paid parking area next to the beautiful Pfarrkirche St. Antonius in Rothenthurm, conveniently located near the train station.

Hiking the Krafthweg Rothenthurm

This hike is a great alternative when the weather isn’t ideal for mountain excursions or when popular trails are too crowded.

Trail Overview:

• Distance: 9.5 km
• Duration: 2:55 h
• Ascent: 365 m
• Descent: 360 m
• Highest Point: 1,243 m
• Lowest Point: 910 m

Click on the Krafthweg hiking map to see the profile and access the map.

BBQ Stations on the Krafthweg Trail

There are two well-maintained picnic stations along the Krafthweg trail, both equipped with sheltered areas and firewood. The first station is located at Gäretenboden, about 1.8 km into the hike, near the first activity post. The second grill station is found after 4 km, near the highest point of the hike at Schoshöchi. This spot even features a hut, perfect for taking cover if you get caught in the rain, as we did.

Dining Options

If you’re looking to grab a bite, you will find a few restaurants in Rothenthurm or Biberegg. However, keep in mind that this is a less touristy area, so some establishments may be closed depending on the day of your visit. We opted to pack a picnic, which we highly recommend. If you need to purchase supplies, there’s a Volg store/bakery in Rothenthurm that should have everything you need.

Exploring the Krafthweg Trail

The 9.5 km Krafthweg trail takes you on a loop over Morgartenberg. Along the way, you can test your strength, challenge your family in friendly competitions, and even throw stones like Obelix!

Despite the weather turning foggy and rainy during our hike, we still enjoyed the beautiful views at the top of Morgartenberg. This trail offers a fantastic family adventure in the heart of Canton Schwyz.

Heading to Stoos & Riding the World’s Steepest Funicular

Our itinerary in the “Erlebnisregion Mythen” in Canton Schwyz brought us to the charming mountain village of Stoos.

Stoos is a car-free village perched on a plateau at 1,300 metres above sea level. During the summer months, it’s a paradise for families seeking outdoor activities and a break from the hustle and bustle. In winter, Stoos transforms into a cozy family ski resort, so it’s a destination worth keeping in mind year-round.

Stoos is also famous for its funicular, which holds the title of the “World’s Steepest Funicular,” boasting an incredible 110% incline. This ride alone is worth the trip!

Getting There from Rothenthurm

The quickest route is to take Bus 507 towards Schwyz Zentrum, then transfer to another bus heading to Schwyz Stoosbahn (Talstation). The journey takes just 36 minutes. At the valley station, purchase a ticket to Stoos. Be sure to mention that you’ll be returning the next day via the gondola towards Morschach, so you can get a 24-hour ticket.

Traveling with Kids

Tickets

Stoos and the “Erlebnisregion Mythen” are part of the Kinderregion organisation, meaning kids can travel for free up to Stoos during the summer months. All they need is a Junior Card or a Mitfahrkarte. For more information, check out their website

Family-Friendly Amenities

Traveling with a pushchair? No problem! The Stoos Funicular is designed with families in mind, accommodating even the largest pushchairs. Once you’re up the mountain, you’ll find that Stoos offers many pushchair-friendly trails. These trails are also accessible for wheelchairs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Sleeping Close to the Stars at Stoos Hüttä

In Stoos, you’ll find a variety of accommodation, from hotels and hostels to self-catered holiday apartments. We chose to stay at Stoos Hüttä, located slightly above the village, offering breathtaking views of the two Mythen pinnacles and beyond.

This is the perfect place to unwind on the terrace with a drink while the kids enjoy the playground, letting the day come to a peaceful and happy close.

Rooms & Dining

The family rooms at Stoos Hüttä are spacious and comfortable and feature a simple yet stylish wooden finish. If you stay in a valley-facing room, the oversized window will bring the stunning outdoor scenery right into your space.

After you’ve checked in and enjoyed some relaxation on the terrace, get ready for a delicious dinner prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The Cordon Bleu is particularly mouthwatering—highly recommended!

Good to Know: If you’re carrying a lot of luggage or simply find the walk up to the Hüttä challenging, you can arrange a transfer from the summit station by giving them a call. The path is uphill and a bit steep, which is manageable with small overnight backpacks but could be a bit too much with heavy luggage.

Day Two: Fronalpstock – The Most Stunning View in the Heart of Switzerland

After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we packed our small bags and headed towards the Fronalpstock Chairlift for a day of adventure.

Stooshornrunde via Stoos Seeli

Before reaching the chairlift, we checked out the 2.9 km new Stooshornrunde trail, via a detour to the picturesque Stoos Seeli. A small lake nestled in the mountains.

Although we were only staying for the night, Stoos Seeli is a place where you could easily spend an entire day. The lake is teeming with life, from countless tadpoles to various other water creatures. The inviting BBQ station adds to the appeal, making it a perfect spot for a family day out.

However, with other plans in mind, we continued along the Stooshornrunde. This trail is also ideal for families, as it’s easily accessible for small kids’ bikes, scooters, pushchairs, and even wheelchairs. It is the perfect trail to get to know Stoos a bit better whilst passing some nice facilities and photo points.

As you make your way through the lower part of Stoos Village, you’ll come across a charming chapel and a quirky, random “Door” that’s perfect for photo opportunities. If you time it right with the sunrise, you can capture some truly magical shots.

Fronalpstock Viewpoint

When we first boarded the chairlift, we weren’t sure what kind of view to expect at the top since it was raining and super foggy. But we decided to go for it—after all, you never know if the weather might clear up.

And we were lucky! Just 10 minutes after reaching the top, the rain stopped, and the sun began to burn away the fog, lifting the clouds. The result? A spectacular view over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains. We were treated to an amazing display as the clouds constantly shifted and slowly disappeared.

Good to Know: The best way to fully experience Fronalpstock is by spending the night at the Fronalpstock Bergrestaurant. Witness a breathtaking sunset and an equally stunning sunrise, often in the company of only a few other visitors.

Also, be sure to check out Switzerland’s famous ridge hike: Stoos – Fronalpstock.

Cruising on Lake Uri (Urnersee) – Also Known as Lake Lucerne

We spent about an hour at Fronalpstock, just enough time to soak in the stunning views. Our next main activity was a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, or as the locals call it, Lake Uri (Urnersee), which began in Brunnen.

Getting to Brunnen

As mentioned earlier, this itinerary is a point-to-point trip, not a round trip, which is why it’s best experienced using Swiss public transportation.

Instead of taking the funicular back down to Schwyz, we took the gondola to Morschach, located on the other side of the mountain. Once at the bottom, we hopped on bus 504, which took us directly to Brunnen Schiffstation (boat departure pier) in about 10 minutes. From the bus stop, it’s less than a 5-minute walk to the pier.

Round Trip Cruise on Lake Lucerne

This boat trip is one of the most stunning cruises in Switzerland. The fjord-like stretch from Brunnen to Flüelen via Rütli and back is not only beautiful but also historically significant as it marks the “Wiege der Schweiz” – the birthplace of Switzerland.

The cruise lasts 1 hour and 50 minutes, making it an ideal spot to enjoy lunch. We opted for the Diamond Ship, a relatively new vessel, and it was stunning.

Even with a 2nd class ticket, you can access different decks. However, 1st class passengers enjoy exclusive access to the upper deck, where a bar serves refreshing drinks and snacks (payable).

This cruise is a wonderful way to discover the region and take in the breathtaking beauty of Lake Uri.

Tickets

GA, Swiss Travel Pass, Junior Travelcard, and Junior Co-Travelcard are all accepted on this cruise. Tickets for the Lake Uri round trip are available daily, year-round. Our boat departed around 12:15 p.m.

• Round Trip Adult 1st Class: CHF 67
• Round Trip Adult 2nd Class: CHF 43

Book your tickets here

Good to Know: There are four stages to hike the entire outline of the lake, known as “Der Weg Der Schweiz.” This summer, we hiked two of the four stages, and it was a beautiful experience. Check out a virtual video on our Instagram. The full blog post and hiking guide will be coming soon.

Gelati Treat – Not Just Any Ice Cream

After the cruise, you must visit Dave’s Gelateria Artigiana. This small shop is just a 5-minute walk from the pier, and you’ll thank me for this recommendation later! Dave’s ice cream is bursting with flavor—you can taste the raspberries as if you were eating the fresh fruit.

Badi Hopfräben

If time and weather permits, end your family weekend in Schwyz with a visit to the public outdoor swimming pool, Badi Hopfräben. It’s only a 20-minute walk from Dave’s Gelateria along the lakeshore.

Unfortunately, we had to save the Badi for another time. The weather during our visit wasn’t quite warm enough for swimming, and one of the kids wasn’t feeling well. But if you have the chance, definitely check it out—it’s a perfect way to round off your trip.

Conclusion of our itinerary in Canton Schwyz

This two-day family itinerary in Schwyz offers a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking views, and relaxation.

From hiking the scenic Krafthweg in Rothenthurm to experiencing the thrill of riding the world’s steepest funicular to Stoos, and finally, enjoying a serene cruise on Lake Lucerne (Urnersee), there’s something for everyone.

Don’t forget to indulge in a delicious gelato from Dave’s Gelateria and, if time allows, unwind at Badi Hopfräben. This itinerary is an ideal family-friendly destination for a weekend getaway.

More Swiss Itineraries

Find below plenty of great family itineraries in Switzerland from 2 days up to 15 and more days.

• 6-Day Glarus Itinerary
• 15-Day Train Itinerary through Switzerland
• 4-Day Itinerary in Vaud
• 3-Day in Lucerne (Winter edition)

I hope that the information provided here proves useful when you plan a 2-day family itinerary in Schwyz.

If I have left anything out or you have a question, please ask your questions in the comments below. This will help others and they can join in the discussion.

NOTE: This trip was in collaboration with Kinderregion.ch

Thank you & Never Forget to Travel

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