Born in Bern. According to the Musinfo database, Wyttenbach studied piano (Kurt von Fischer) and composition (Sándor Veress) in Bern; further studies took him to Paris (Conservatoire). He taught at the Biel Music School and the Bern Conservatory. From 1967 he held a teaching position for piano and from 1970 for the interpretation of contemporary music at the Conservatory of the Basel Music Academy.

At the same time, he pursued a busy concert career as a pianist and conductor, particularly of contemporary works. In 1993, he was awarded the Art Prize of the City of Basel. In 2017 he received the Swiss Music Prize.