Photos

The town of Schwyz, the capital of canton of the same name, may nowadays be but a tiny unremarkable town of a mere 14,000 ihabitants. However, there was a time when Schwyz played most important role in the Swiss history. Along with Uri and Unterwalden, the canton was one of the original Forest Cantons which founded the Swiss Confederation in 1291. The name Switzerland derives from the name of this canton and city. Furthermore, the contemporary flag of the Swiss Confederation is based on the cantonal flag of Schwyz. The foundation treaty of the Swiss Confederation - Schweizer Bundesbrief - is preserved in Schwyz until this day.

There is evidence that, until 14th century, other cantons heavily resented adoption of the common name for their confederation deriving from the name of Schwyz. Nevertheless, the name was eventually adopted following a major victory by the Swiss against the Austrians at the Battle of Sempach, where Schwyz played a major role and, as a result, managed to significatly expand its territory.

House Betlehem (on the photo) is located inside the old town of Schwyz and dates back to 1287. It witnessed foundation of the Swiss Confederation and is considered to be the oldest wooden building in the country. Its interior is open to visitors and displays a variety of ancient wooden furniture gathered from around the canton.