Schwyz (pronounced shfeetz) is a very typical Swiss town near Lucerne in central Switzerland, 20 mi/35 km east of Lucerne. The surrounding canton, also called Schwyz, was one of three founding members of the Swiss Confederation and gave its name to the rest of the country (Switzerland is called "die Schweiz" in German). The foundation document of Switzerland, the Bundesbrief from 1291, is kept there.
The Victorinox factory, where the original Swiss Army knives are made, is in nearby Brunnen—and it has a shop and visitors center. Taking the world's steepest funicular railway up to the resort town of Stoos is also worthwhile. Whiz up to 5,700 ft/1,740 m in a modern curved cabin for a stunning view of 10 lakes and gorgeous mountain scenery.
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