Anyone driving from Schwyz to the Muotathal valley would hardly suspect the wild spectacle that unfolds on the left side of the road shortly after the hamlet of Ried: the Bettbach Falls plunge over 160 metres into the depths with a thunderous roar – a hidden water jewel that can be seen in all its glory especially after heavy rainfall or during snowmelt.
Although there is no official parking lot, there is a kind of garage or layby at GPS coordinates 46.985493, 8.720010 where you can safely park your car for a few minutes. From here, a small path leads upstream along the right bank of the Bettbach stream—a short walk that leads directly to the foot of the waterfall.
Where the Bettbach stream thunders into the depths in spraying clouds of mist, you feel both small and alive. The water roars over mossy rocks, and sunbeams dance in the spray like liquid silver. If you listen closely, you might even hear the echo of ancient legends in the murmur – for the Muotatal is not only a place of nature, but also of myth.
The Devil's Leap of Häsingen – Traces in Stone
Between Schwyz and Muotathal, where the road winds through tight curves and the rocks come close to the asphalt, there lies an inconspicuous stone by the side of the road – and yet it tells a story that is older than any road sign.
In the Häsingen area, opposite the Selgis River, lies a large stone slab inscribed with strange marks: four hooves and two human feet. The ancient Muotathal residents were able to tell stories of what once happened here.
Once, so the story goes, the devil drove a man on horseback over the steep cliffs of the Muota Valley into the abyss. According to some, it was Saint Sigismund himself, the later patron saint of the valley. But God's hand protected the rider in his hour of need. Instead of plunging into the depths, he was gently carried to the ground – and where horse and rider struck, the marks remained as if burned into the ground.
To this day, the marks can be seen: a stone testament to heavenly salvation—or hellish fury, depending on who you ask.
