ViaJacobi, Stage 4/33

The hike leads over Switzerland's longest wooden footbridge from Rapperswil to Hurden and across the Etzel Pass to Einsiedeln. On the way to this important pilgrimage site, the views of Lake Zurich are splendid.

From Rapperswil railway station, the route leads directly to Lake Zurich and across the wooden bridge to Hurden. At the Heilig Hüsli, once the bridge chapel on this historic crossing, the water lies immediately beside the path. After this level opening section, the route continues through Hurden to Pfäffikon.

Beyond Pfäffikon, the long ascent begins. The yellow-waymarked hiking trail leaves the built-up area and climbs steadily between open meadows and woodland. Just over halfway along the route, the highest point is reached at the Etzelpass, at around 950 metres. Here, the steepest part of the approximately 800 metres of ascent comes to an end.

On the far side of the pass, the trail leads mainly through open countryside into the high valley of Einsiedeln. Along the way, the Sihlsee comes into view. Towards the end, Einsiedeln dominates the scene, and at the photo spot the view opens up towards the monastery. After around 17 kilometres and approximately five hours, the hike ends at Einsiedeln railway station.