Grosser Mythen – hike at sunrise

Together with its brother – the Little Mythen – the Great Mythen forms the unmistakable landmark above the cantonal capital Schwyz. The ascent to the striking summit is – not surprisingly – one of the most popular hikes in Central Switzerland. And it is also one that is very suitable as a sunrise hike for experienced mountaineers due to the short distance from the valley to the summit. As a reward, hot coffee, fine nut and almond peaks and a phenomenal panorama that stretches from Lake Lucerne to Lake Lauerz and Lake Zurich await you at the top.

You want to skip my impressions of the tour and study the practical information as well as the hiking map – then click here: to the practical tips

Grosser Mythen – the landmark of Schwyz

Somehow it doesn’t really want to get going this year – the golden October. And so the biggest challenge in the tour was to find a stable weather window in the currently changing forecasts. I had already considered the sunrise hike on the Great Mythen several times and rejected it again. Before the snow finally threw a spanner in the works, we finally tackled the undertaking last Friday morning.

The classic ascent to the Grosse Mythen starts on its “backside” in Brunni-Alpthal. From here, the ascent takes between 1.5 and a good 2.5 hours, depending on fitness and running speed. We had deliberately planned the tour in autumn, because thanks to the later sunrise you don’t have to get up quite as early as if you start the hike in midsummer. By way of comparison, on July 1, the sun’s rays are already peeking out from behind the peaks on the horizon at around 5:30 a.m. At the beginning of October, the sunrise takes place two hours later at about 07:30.

We reach the starting point at the valley station of the Brunni-Holzegg cable car shortly before half past seven. Too close to making it to the summit before sunrise (at least at my running pace) – but perfect for a “sunrise hike”. But looking up at the sky dampens our expectations. The weather forecasts the night before were far more optimistic in the timing of the good weather window. Nevertheless, we mount our headlamps and set off.

However, it won’t be pitch dark for long anyway. The ascent to Holzegg is brisk and with the onset of dusk we can soon do without the additional light.

Hike with 47 hairpin bends to summit happiness

The actual Mythen Trail starts at the Holzegg. A narrow, stony and steep path that leads to the summit of the Great Mythen in no less than 47 hairpin bends. The mountain trail was opened in the middle of the 19th century (1864). Technically, the path is not difficult and is also very well secured everywhere. Nevertheless, a sign at the entrance to the Mythenweg reminds you to follow the usual rules on a mountain path and to keep dogs on a leash. So early in the morning, there is something meditative about the ascent. There are hardly any people on the road yet and we see a group of peacefully grazing chamois on the steep slopes of the Großer Mythen.

Just as we reach hairpin bend no. 31, the sun fights its way out from behind the Uri and Glarus Alps. And even if the classic kitschy sunrise fails to materialize due to the surprisingly persistent cloud front on the horizon, the atmosphere is uniquely beautiful in its own way.

Great myth with almond croissants, coffee and foresight

Shortly after 8 a.m. we reach the summit of the Great Mythen. If you don’t bring your own breakfast in your backpack, you will be provided with the necessary ingredients in the summit restaurant. I get myself a mug of hot steaming coffee and a deliciously fragrant almond croissant (both together 8 CHF) and then let the panoramic view work its magic on me. The first building on the Großer Mythen was built shortly after the opening of the path in 1865 – the current building is a replacement from 1991.

Return via the Schwyzer Höhenweg to Brunni

We stay on the summit for a good hour, watch the changing light mood and enjoy the peace and quiet. Shortly after 9 a.m. we start our way back. In the meantime, the Brunni-Holzegg cable car has started operation and on the way back we already cross some hiking groups who also want to take advantage of this beautiful October day. Slowly, the sky is clearing up – two hours too late for the secretly desired morning mood. But since the path on the myths is equally suitable as a morning fitness program and altitude training, we have almost certainly not undertaken this path for the first and last time.

Up to Holzegg we follow the Mythenweg again. There are no route options on this section. At the Holzegg, you could also hike directly back to the starting point or add an additional loop over the Schwyzer Höhenweg and extend the morning mountain tour to a circular hike. And that’s exactly what we’re doing. In the meantime, the sun has finally prevailed and the beautiful forest path, which leads below the flanks of the Great and Small Mythen towards Haggenegg, still provides us with a dose of autumn magic.

Shortly before 11 a.m. we are back at the starting point of the tour. The day has only really started and we have already hiked 10 kilometers with 800 meters of altitude, have allowed our thoughts to be far ahead and have cleared our heads properly. And that’s exactly what I like about sunrise hikes – weather luck or not.

Practical tips for your hike on the Great Mythen

The route of our hike on the Great Mythen can be found on the following map. We designed the tour as a circular hike and did not use the same path in the lower part for the way there and back. For the ascent, we chose the direct route from the valley station of the cable car via Holzegg to the Grosse Mythen. From Holzegg, the terrain becomes more challenging and includes narrow and sometimes sloping sections, but these are well secured. However, good, grippy footwear is essential and it is also not recommended to go on the hike if the ground is too wet and slippery. On the way back, we followed the Schwyzer Höhenweg from Holzegg in the direction of Haggenegg. This is an easy hiking trail that runs along comfortable gravel paths and forest paths in sections.

From the Brunni valley station to the summit of the Großer Mythen, there are 790 metres of altitude difference over almost 3.7 kilometres, which takes 2 to 2.5 hours to complete. If you take the cable car up to Holzegg for this route, you save 300 meters in altitude and about an hour of walking time. From Holzegg, the ascent to the Grosse Mythen is signposted at 1:20 h.

You can reach the starting point for the hike from Brunni on the Grosse Mythen either by post bus from Einsiedeln (travel time from Zurich by public transport is an attractive 1:15 h). According to the current timetable, the earliest arrival time at the valley station is 07:57 a.m. (departure time in Zurich 06:43 a.m.). Alternatively, there is a paid parking lot right next to the valley station (note: the central parking meter can only be fed with “coins”; Cost for one day: 5 CHF).

The first ride of the Brunni-Holzegg cable car takes place at 08:00 a.m. (and thus with a connection to the post bus). The cable car then runs every 30 minutes. The cost of a single trip is 10 CHF (round trip: 15 CHF). From the end of November, the cable car will be closed for about 3 weeks at a time. For up-to-date timetable and price information, it is best to consult the website of the Brunni-Holzegg cable car before your excursion

The Mythen House is open from sunrise to sunset during the season (from May to October) when the weather is nice. When the flag is hoisted, the restaurant is open. Up-to-date information can be found on the restaurant’s website. Please note that only cash payment is accepted on site.

Key data of the tour Brunni – Grosser Mythen – Brunni

Starting point	Valley station of the Brunni-Holzegg cable car
Length	10 kilometers
Elevation gain	↗ 893 m 893 m ↘
Duration	4:15 p.m.
Destination	Valley station of the Brunni-Holzegg cable car