ViaJacobi, Stage 23/33

Fischingen Abbey, an imposing Benedictine monastery, is located at the southern end of the Murgtal valley. From the Hörnli viewpoint you can see the Säntis mountain and the Tösstal valley, which is the route you will take back down. The next climb will reward you with a captivating view over Lake Zurich. The destination is picturesque Rapperswil, which is famous for its roses.

From the Fischingen, Kloster stop, the hiking trail climbs steadily through open meadows and woodland. Beyond Au, the ascent becomes steeper. At the scenic Hörnli, the route reaches its highest point at around 1,130 metres. It then descends via Hinterhörnli to Steg in the Tösstal.

A varied succession of woodland, pastures and small settlements leads onwards to Fischenthal and Gibswil. For a short while, the trail follows the Leebach. The terrain remains hilly, but the major climbs are now over. Narrow valleys and wooded ridges characterise the long middle section.

After Dieterswil and Blattenbach, the destination gradually draws closer. In the forest, the route passes the Föriholzhöhle cave, before the meadows open up once more. The final descent leads via Moos to Rapperswil-Jona. After around 30 kilometres and just over eight hours, the hike ends near the Jona, Vogelau/Bahnhof stop.