Alpine Panorama Trail, Stage 7/29

A tough climb to Stöcklichrüz and a superb high-level hike around the northern end of Sihlsee lake to Einsiedeln. The St. Meinrads Chapel on Etzelpass and the house where Paracelsus was born are popular resting places, not just for pilgrims.

From the Siebnen, Aabrücke bus stop, the yellow-waymarked hiking trail initially leads through Siebnen and past the St. Jost chapel on the old country road. Beyond the scattered houses at the edge of the valley, the long ascent begins. Meadows and pastures replace the built-up area, the views become more expansive, and Stöcklichrüz is reached after just under three hours. At 1,248 m, this is the highest point on the route.

The trail then descends across open hills to the Etzelpass at 950 m. At St. Meinrad, the route crosses the top of the pass before continuing towards Einsiedeln in a steady succession of ascents and descents. The Galgenchappeli and, later, St. Gangulf provide small landmarks along the way; towards the end, the view opens up to the Sihlsee in the high valley, slightly off the route.

In Einsiedeln, a photo spot frames the monastery. The route then continues through the houses to Einsiedeln railway station, which lies right by the destination.