Rytz then studied history, sociology, and constitutional law at the University of Bern, graduating with a master's degree in 1997.

From 1998 to 2000, she conducted research on the topic of "Violence in everyday life and organized crime" as part of the Swiss National Science Foundation programme.

From 2005 to 2012, she was a member of the city government of the federal capital of Bern and, in this capacity, also chairwoman of the board of directors of the transport company Bernmobil.

[12][13] Shortly afterwards, she launched an appeal for "Global Justice", which was signed by personalities from the worlds of culture, politics and business and calls for Switzerland to make an appropriate contribution to combating poverty and achieving the Social Development Goals.

In October 2004, she was elected to the municipal council (executive) of the City of Bern and took over the Department of Civil Engineering, Transport and Urban Greenery (TVS) with 750 employees.

In April 2022, it was announced that she would step down from the National Council after the special session in May and apparently take over the presidency of the development organisation Helvetas.