Schwyz, Switzerland

An attractive small town with a population of around 14, 000, Schwyz lies in the heart of Switzerland and at the heart of Swiss history. Schwyz (pronounced shveets) is the capital of the canton of the same name and was first documented in 972. In 1291, Schwyz formed an alliance with its neighbours Uri and Nidwalden, the basis of Confederation Helvetica, known today as Schweiz (Switzerland). This is where CH, the abbreviation for Switzerland comes from. Throughout the Middle Ages, the men of Schwyz were much sought-after mercenaries, who returned from battles with full coffers to build many of the splendid town houses which still characterize the old town quarter. Nearby Ibach is the home of the world-famous Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, the roots of which date back to 1884 when its inventor, Carl Elsener, began making pocket knives. The town’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the whole of Switzerland.