Furggelenstock

Furggelenstock is a 1,656 m summit in the Swiss Prealps, just west of Oberiberg in the canton of Schwyz. It rises on the ridge that rings the Alpthal valley and counts among the more approachable viewpoints of central Switzerland.

What can you see from Furggelenstock?

The top opens onto the Ybrig area and the direction of Einsiedeln. On a clear day the Schwyz and Uri Alps spread out beyond, with Tödi, Clariden and the peaks of the Muotathal in view. A panorama board at the summit helps you name what you are looking at. Grosser Mythen dominates the walk from start to finish, and directly beneath its rock you have to tilt your head right back to find the top.

Just past the summit lies the Furggelen alp, where a mountain inn has a sunny terrace facing the Mythen massif and the peak you have just climbed.

How do you climb Furggelenstock?

A marked T2 trail leads to the summit, meaning an ordinary mountain path without technical difficulty. The usual options:

• From Holzegg: take the Brunni cable car, then walk from the Holzegg saddle (1,408 m). The summit is about 1 hour 25 minutes away, and the full Holzegg – Zwäcken – Furggelenstock – Brunni walk takes roughly 2.5 hours.
• From Brunni via Stäglerenegg, Müsliegg, Zwäcken and Halbegg: 7.4 km with about 339 m of ascent and 652 m of descent.
• Loop from Oberiberg: around 11.7 km and 4 hours via Ibergeregg and Zwäcken, returning past the Furggelen alp.
• Rotenflue – Furggelenstock circuit: finishes with a steeper climb to the top and a 360-degree view.

The peak is also one of nine summits on the multi-day Schwyzer Höhenweg.

When should you go?

Summer and early autumn give the easiest conditions. In winter, snowshoe routes are marked in the area, for example from Holzegg via Zwäcken and Furggelen to Brunni. The Furggelen alp also runs sunrise outings from the Ibergeregg pass: they start at 4:45 a.m. and include breakfast at the alp (CHF 95 per person, advance registration required).

What else is worth knowing?

The route crosses the Ibergeregg moor forests, named Landscape of the Year 2019 by the Swiss Landscape Foundation. Sources give the height as 1,656 m, while one hiking brochure lists 1,655 m.

Frequently asked questions

Is Furggelenstock a difficult hike? No. The trail is rated T2, so sturdy hiking shoes and basic fitness are enough.

How long does the ascent take? About 1 hour 25 minutes from Holzegg, or around 4 hours for the loop from Oberiberg.

Where should you start? The easiest starting point is the Holzegg saddle, reached by the Brunni cable car, or the Ibergeregg pass near Oberiberg.

Can you go in winter? Yes, on snowshoes along the marked routes from Holzegg to Brunni.