The Muotatal, the Monastery St. Josef and the Hölloch Caves

1 September 2025

The Muotatal in the canton of Schwyz is as large in area as the canton of Zug. The area not only has various natural pearls but also a beautiful monastery. Most inhabitants live in the village of Muota.

The Monastery

The monastery chronicle reports that in 1224, Beguines and Beghards already had housing and a chapel in the valley. On June 24, 1288, the official founding charter of the monastery was drawn up.

With the seals of the sisters, the Franciscans, and the pastor of the valley, the founding of the Franciscan convent was a fact. In 1684, the construction of the current monastery began. The monastery is dedicated to Saint Joseph, and since then, it has borne the name St. Joseph.

The French invasion also brought the war to the valley. Due to the billeting of French, Austrian, and Russian soldiers in 1798/1799, the monastery fell into great poverty. One of the guests at this time was General Suvorov. He had great respect for Mother Walburga Mohr and her prudent leadership in difficult times.

Pearl of Nature

In the Muotatal, nature has remained pristine and untamed to this day. Landscapes with hiking and cycling paths stretch around the village. These trails lead through alpine meadows and forests, as well as past waterfalls and mountains. The wild waters of the Muota also shape the landscape.

The Hölloch Cave

Among the natural treasures is the Hölloch Cave. With a length of 212 kilometres and a depth of 1033 meters, it is one of the largest cave systems in the world. The Hölloch visitor centre and exhibition provide further information.