Grosser Mythen/Kleiner Mythen

Overview

A gorgeous hausberg just above the town of Schwyz in central Switzerland. When driving down from Zuerich to the Uri region, it is the first sign you are heading into the Alps when the dual summits of the Grosser and Kleiner Mythen spring up before you (across the plain from the Rigi). On the Grosser Mythen, you can hike/scramble to the top or climb routes ranging into VII (UIAA) in difficulty. The Kleiner Mythen, at 1811 meters must be climbed but its normal route comes in at a friendly II/III. Both summits offer excellent views into the Glarner Alps and Urner Alps with downward views on the cobalt blue waters of Urner See and Vierwaldstatter See. You can also see one end of the Zugersee.

Getting There

Grosser Mythen: Drive south of Zurich towards Lucerne and follow the autobahn signs to Schwyz. Once in Schwyz, follow the signs to the seilbahn (lift) at Rickenbach. Take the lift up to Rotenflue and then take the path up to the summit. Once you reach Holzegg (along the trail) you can continue up to the summit or veer off to the left toward the climbing routes (more info to be posted under routes). On the footpath, several passages require scrambling and some movement over loose scree so wear the right footgear. Kleiner Mythen: Drive south from Zurich toward Glarus/Sargans and take the Einsiedeln exit. Follow the signs through Einsiedlen to Brunni and the seilbahn station. From here follow the path (2.5 km) to Zwueschet Mythen which will place you between the Grossen and Kleinen Mythen. Once here, follow the footpath and scree diretly north toward the summit ridge. After a few hundred meters it is advised to rope up and proceed along the meandering ridge to the summit at 1811 meters. From here you can proceed along the ridge to the summit of the Haggenspitz at 1761 meters or descend the east side of Kleinen Mythen and head east 500 meters until you reach one of the two trails which lead back to the car at Brunni.

Red Tape

None! Just be sure to give a hearty "Gruzzi" to the people you see along the trail.

When To Climb

You can hike/clinb here all year but the rock routes can be very cold and windy in winter.

Camping

Under construction

Mountain Conditions

The entire area is under 2000 meters so even when the weather is poor up high, you can often still ascend safely.

Miscellaneous Info and Guidebooks

Climbing crags abound on the lower flanks of the Grosser and Kleiner Mythen. Check Jorg Von Kanel's Plaisir Ost guide for more info. You can also consult the Swiss Alpine Club's Kletterfuehrer Zentralschweizerische Voralpen by Urs Loetscher. Both are available at the climbing shop in Schwyz (just off the Schwyz exit).

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Images

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