Rothenthurm

Switzerland’s largest upland moor, in Central Switzerland between Rothenthurm and Biberbrugg, has been successfully preserved. The broad moorland landscape is an important conservation area for plants and animals, but also a fascinating place for relaxation and adventure for visitors.

The village of Rothenthurm is in the foothills of the Alps at about 930 m in the upland valley of the Biber between Schwyz and Einsiedeln. The Letziturm with its red shingled roof, built in 1323, gave Rothenthurm its name and is always associated with the place. Another noteworthy place to visit in the village is the parish church of St. Antonius, one of the most important churches in the canton of Schwyz.

With the acceptance in 1987 by the Swiss people of the so-called Rothenthurm Initiative, a legal framework was created to protect the upland moor of Rothenthurm and also other moors in Switzerland. This moorland area provides a habitat for many species of animal that are threatened with extinction. Rare creatures such as quail, meadow piper and whinchat can be seen, and protected plants such as rare cotton grasses, ragged robin and orchids.