Forum der Schweizer Geschichte

Central Switzerland


This cultural hub of the Swiss National Museum offers splendid, engaging multilingual exhibits focused on the foundation of the Swiss Confederation and the development of Swiss culture and commerce through the centuries.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Central Switzerland attractions

1. Hauptplatz

0.1 MILES

Most action in Schwyz spirals around the gurgling fountain on cobbled Hauptplatz (main square), dominated by the Rathaus (town hall), complete with…

2. Bundesbriefmuseum

0.16 MILES

This museum is worth a visit just to eyeball the original 1291 charter of federation signed by Nidwalden, Schwyz and Uri cantons. It’s accompanied by some…

3. Ital Reding-Hofstatt

0.2 MILES

Set in baroque gardens, this turreted mansion was once the home of mercenary soldiers. Roam the 17th-century manor’s wood-panelled rooms and vaulted…

4. Swiss Knife Valley Museum

2.86 MILES

This teensy museum displays historical knives from prehistoric, Roman and medieval times, including folding precursors to the Victorinox classic. Touch…

5. Schillerstein

3.63 MILES

West across Lake Uri from Brunnen, you’ll glimpse a near 30m-high natural obelisk, the Schillerstein, protruding from the water. Its gold inscription pays…

6. Rütli Meadow

4.63 MILES

Perched on hillside above Lake Uri's western shore, this meadow is the legendary cradle of Swiss democracy. It was here that the Oath of Eternal…

7. Tellskapelle

6.41 MILES

On Lake Uri's eastern shore, this chapel is covered in murals depicting four episodes in the Tell legend, including the one that’s supposed to have…

8. Hölloch Caves

6.99 MILES

These 200km labyrinthine caves, 13km from Schwyz in Muotatal, are Europe's longest and the world's fourth-biggest. Think about it – it's 52km from Zürich…