Mountain Races in the Canton of Schwyz

Few cantons pack so many iconic peaks into such a small area. In Schwyz, the Rigi and the Mythen tower over Lake Lucerne and its bluish shores ⛰️. Grassy slopes alternate with limestone cliffs, while the Pragel and Ibergeregg passes link the neighboring valleys.

For a mountain race in the canton of Schwyz, the Grosser Mythen sets the tone: a narrow trail, switchbacks carved into the rock and an airy finish on a ridge where you move forward almost on all fours. The Rigi, more welcoming, offers long, steady slopes, perfect for working on threshold climbing. Rack railways bring tired athletes back down, a specialty of the region 🚠. Starts are often from Arth-Goldau, well served by train, which means you can skip the car. Experienced runners happily link several summits in the same day. The good season stretches from May to October, with summits often clear above the sea of fog.

The Schwyz mountain race calendar does not yet list any event on Finishers, but the neighboring cantons already offer some great climbs. In Obwalden, the RunThrough Trails Engelberg climbs in August toward the Titlis pastures 🏔️. In the Oberland, the Inferno half-marathon starts from Lauterbrunnen in August, and the Jungfrau Marathon links Interlaken to Kleine Scheidegg in September. For other ascents, explore the mountain races in the canton of Lucerne, those of the canton of St. Gallen or the Mountain Races in Switzerland page.

From the summit of the Rigi, the view stretches over as many as thirteen lakes on a clear day, a sight that Mark Twain, passing through, described himself 🌅. On the way down, a stop in Brunnen or Arth lets you catch your breath by the water. Express vertical kilometer or long ascent, choose the slope that suits you 🔥.