Schützenried-Rundweg

Water and a view of the mountains are the main features of this hike, which leads over bridges and along rivers and streams to Lake Sihl – always surrounded by the mountains of the Sihl Valley and Ybrig.

The starting point of this winter hike is just a few steps from the Unteriberg, Guggelstrasse bus stop. The roughly 14-kilometre circuit leaves the houses of Unteriberg behind and crosses open meadows towards Studen, with only minor changes in elevation. The village is reached after just under an hour and a half.

Beyond Studen, broad open expanses alternate with small settlements. The winter hiking trail passes directly by the Viertelskirche zur Schmerzhaften Muttergottes before reaching the Sihlsee. Covering almost 11 square kilometres, this lake through which the Sihl flows is Switzerland’s largest reservoir by surface area. At the lowest point of the circuit, the route runs right along its shore.

From the lake, the route turns back towards Unteriberg. Shortly before the final gentle ascent, the Chapel of St Ottilien stands directly beside the trail. A little later, the winter hiking route reaches its highest point at around 960 m, then leads back between open expanses and the first houses to the Unteriberg, Guggelstrasse bus stop.