With snowshoes to the Furggelenstock

The first snowshoe hike of the season took its sweet time. But now everything was just right: fresh powder reaching down to lower elevations, brilliant sunshine in the forecast, and a weekend. The perfect opportunity for a tour on the Furggelen Snowshoe Trail, a route boasting breathtaking panoramic views through the Schwyz mountains.

Active Snowshoe Hikes in the Mythenregion

The route starts at the Brunni SZ bus stop, at Restaurant Brunni at the foot of the two Mythen peaks. A starting point that is practically at the gates of Zurich and does not require hours of travel. If you get up early, you can cover half the distance before the «Rushhour» begins. This time, however, we were not among the early birds but set off rather late—around 10:30 AM. As a result, the trail was already well-trodden. That suited me just fine, as within the first 2.5 kilometers we encountered a brisk ascent to the viewing platform on the Furggelenstock, about 600 vertical meters higher.

A Varied Ascent to the Furggelenstock

The ascent proved surprisingly engaging. The trail winds through a mix of open slopes and light pine forests, while the imposing Grosse Mythen repeatedly comes into view. After about an hour, we reached the Furggelen alpine inn, which according to various sources is open on weekends. However, on this Saturday it appeared to be closed. It was too early for a break anyway—the Furggelenstock already seemed within reach.

The final thirty minutes to the summit cross really pack a punch. Our brisk pace until then began to falter here and there, as the ridge ascent is steep—truly grueling. But the reward for the effort is magnificent: a breathtaking panorama over the Ybrig area all the way to Einsiedeln.

Through the Mythenregion Ski Area to Holzegg

After a short breather and a sip of warm tea, we continued our hike. Around the summit cross there was lively activity on this splendid winter day, as the Furggelenstock is also a popular backcountry skiing mountain. The following section takes us along the ridge—with gentle ups and downs—heading south toward Habegg. Signs on the left remind hikers to stay on the designated trails.

At Habegg we bid farewell to the silence of nature and follow the sign through the Mythenregion ski area further toward Holzegg. Anyone who thinks that the short but steep descent ahead is the most challenging part is in for a surprise. Just before reaching the destination, the trail climbs an additional 50 vertical meters steeply along the edge of the ski slope to Stäglerenegg.

A Scenic Pit stop at Skihaus Holzegg

After that final ascent, we certainly deserved a break. Just 350 meters before the destination, Skihaus Holzegg—with its sunny panoramic terrace—invited us to linger. On clear, fog-free days, the view stretches all the way to Lake Lucerne.

We snagged a free table, ordered non-alcoholic cider, a cheese toast, and Älplermagronen—and savored every bite. I had actually wanted to try the «Einsiedler Ofeturli», but just before 2:00 PM it was already sold out. Maybe someone can tell me soon how it tastes? Skihaus Holzegg is open daily from 8:30 AM during the winter season.

The Extra Mile at the End

If you feel recharged after this break and still have some energy left, you have the option to complete the arc back to Brunni on snowshoes. The trail to the valley station of the Brunni-Holzegg cable car is marked at the mountain inn. Allow roughly another 30 minutes for the journey. Alternatively, the cable car operates between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. The valley ride costs 13 CHF for adults. More information can be found here: Brunni Alpthal.

Key Facts of the Snowshoe Hike on the Furggelen Snowshoe Trail

You can follow the route of the Furggelen Snowshoe Trail on the map below. The trail starts at the bus stop «Brunni SZ, Rest. Brunni» and is marked with route number 818. The snowshoe trail passes through part of the Ibergeregg nature reserve. Please heed the signs and stay on the marked paths.

The ascent from Furggelen to the Furggelenstock is very steep in sections and somewhat exposed. The trail is classified as a «difficult route» (black) and requires a good level of fitness. This is one reason why I recommend completing the tour in the described direction. On site, several alternative routes are signposted that can be combined with the Furggelen Snowshoe Trail (for example, descending from Furggelen toward Oberiberg or continuing from Brünnelistock toward Ibergeregg). At the end of the SchweizMobil Route 818, at the mountain station of the Brunni-Holzegg cable car, you have the option to complete the remaining two kilometers downhill to Brunni on snowshoes or to take the cable car.

Starting point	Post bus stop Brunni SZ, Rest. Brunni (1’090 m above sea level)
Accessibility	Accessible by public transportation
Distance	7.4 kilometers
Elevation	↗ 689 m ↘ 381 m
Duration	3:00 h (pure walking time without breaks; plan for 4:00–4:30 h in heavy fresh snow)
Destination	Holzegg (mountain station of the cable car, 1’407 m above sea level)
Refreshment options	Skihaus Holzegg, Berggasthaus Holzegg

Practical Tips for Your Snowshoe Hike in the Mythenregion

• • The Brunni valley station can be reached from Zurich in approximately 1 h 15 min by train/bus. Depending on the day and time, there are direct connections from Zurich to Einsiedeln; otherwise, you need to change trains in both Wädenswil and Einsiedeln.

• • The winter season lasts—from the end of November until mid/late March—depending on snow, slope, and weather conditions. Brunni SZ is situated at just under 1’100 meters above sea level, so rain can quickly fall at this altitude. It is best to check out the webcams beforehand.

• • The Furggelen Snowshoe Trail is one of two snowshoe trails in the Mythenregion that hold the status of a «SchweizMobil route». On the Mythenregion website you can find additional tips for snowshoe hikes. The routes are also very well signposted at junctions (including distance markers).

Other Recommended Snowshoe Hikes in the Region

Below are a few alternative ideas for scenic snowshoe hikes in Central Switzerland.

• • The Biberegg-Herrenboden Snowshoe Trail in the Sattel-Hochstuckli area

• • The Chäserenholz Snowshoe Trail on the Rigi

• • The Brüsti Trail near Attinghausen

• • The Jänzi Trail in the Langis-Glaubenberg area