Canton of Schwyz

Schwyz used a plain red banner by the mid-13th century. In 1289, Emperor Frederick II granted the right to place a white cross on the flag, and this developed into the simple corner cross used today. The red field has been associated with sovereignty and authority, while the white cross carried Christian symbolism and later became a broader emblem of the Swiss Confederation. The present cantonal flag was formally adopted on 1 January 1815.