Mountain passes around Rothenthurm are characterized by the region's extensive upland moor and a network of hiking and biking trails. The area, located in the canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, offers accessible routes through its natural landscape. While not home to numerous high-alpine passes, the Katzenstrick Pass is directly associated with the region, providing historical significance and scenic views. Rothenthurm's appeal stems from its moorland and the accessible, scenic routes it offers.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
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The Raten mountain – at 1077m – high above Lake Ägeri offers a fantastic view of our mountains. The Restaurant Raten is highly recommended: The atmosphere is lovely and cozy, the service is friendly, and the food is delicious. It has a large parking lot, which is also a good starting point for hikes. Parking is subject to a fee daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
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A popular cycling pass. From the southwest side, it's quite steep in places. But the scenery is beautiful and the ride is enjoyable. Highly recommended!
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The Ratten is a very beautiful landscape, whether you are on a bike or a racing bike, it is always nice to be at the top of the mountain.
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It's a great place to take a break. Prices are typical for Switzerland. The view is also very beautiful.
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A restaurant suitable for banquets, afternoon teas, family celebrations and other special occasions for up to 100 people. It is fully wheelchair accessible and has a panoramic terrace for 160 people.
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The region features passes with rich history. For instance, St. Meinrad Chapel (Etzel Chapel) is located on a pass that served as a significant pilgrim hospice, with the first chapel built in the 13th century. The Pilgrims' Chapel Haggenegg is another religious building on a pass, known as the highest chapel on the Jacob's Way (Via Jacobius).
Yes, some passes offer accessible routes suitable for families. For example, the area around St. Meinrad Chapel is noted as family-friendly. The trails around Katzenstrick Pass are often on lightly used country roads, making them accessible even for those with regular hiking shoes, which can be suitable for families.
The mountain passes around Rothenthurm are characterized by the region's extensive upland moor. From passes like Katzenstrick, you can enjoy picturesque viewpoints of the surrounding landscape, including the Central Swiss Alps and the Rothenthurm moors. Many routes offer stunning natural beauty and rewarding vistas.
Yes, several passes offer amenities. St. Meinrad Chapel (Etzel Chapel) has an inn next door that has existed since the 14th century, serving as a pilgrim hospice. Ibergeregg Pass features a large restaurant with a terrace, and the Pilgrims' Chapel Haggenegg is near an alpine dairy with a small shop.
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including challenging mountain hikes. Cycling and road cycling routes are also popular. For more details on specific routes, you can explore guides like Mountain Hikes around Rothenthurm or Cycling around Rothenthurm.
Yes, winter can be a beautiful time to visit. Katzenstrick Pass, for example, is a popular destination for hikers, particularly in winter when the landscape is covered in snow. A one-way winter hike from Altmatt to Einsiedeln across the Katzenstrick hill offers gorgeous mountain views and is accessible with regular hiking shoes.
Many passes offer excellent viewpoints. From Katzenstrick Pass, visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the Central Swiss Alps and the Rothenthurm moors. Ibergeregg Pass is also noted for its beautiful views, and Pilgrims' Chapel Haggenegg offers fantastic views of the valley.
The Katzenstrick Pass (also spelled Chatzenstrick Pass) is unique for its historical significance as a pilgrimage route to Einsiedeln Abbey. It's situated on the border of the Rothenthurm upland moor, offering scenic views of the moors and the Central Swiss Alps. It's also a significant point on the challenging 'Rothenthurmer Thorthour' hiking marathon. You can learn more about its history and features on Wikipedia or Schwyz Tourismus.
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the 'Rothenthurmer Thorthour' is a demanding 28-kilometer hiking marathon with around 1400 meters of elevation gain, traversing peaks surrounding Rothenthurm, with Katzenstrick Pass as one of its endpoints. Additionally, the Southern Ascent to Ibergeregg via Illgau is described as a challenging climb with double-digit percentages in its upper part.
Visitors appreciate the variety of mountain passes, which provide opportunities for both challenging climbs and accessible routes. The scenic viewpoints, historical sites, and religious buildings are frequently mentioned. The komoot community has contributed over 440 upvotes and 160 photos, highlighting the area's appeal for its natural beauty and cultural significance.
Yes, the region is popular for road cycling. You can find various routes, including those that incorporate passes. For example, the guide Road Cycling Routes around Rothenthurm lists options like the 'Klöntalersee – Pragel Pass loop from Rothenthurm' and the 'Lake Ägeri – Raten Pass loop'.


See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Rothenthurm: