Hike /Schweiz Mobil
ViaSurprise, Stage 5/6
ZwingenMariastein
- Distance
- 11.0 km
- Duration
- 3:25 h
- Ascent
- 540 m
- Descent
- 380 m
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Fitness
- Moderate
- Route type
- One way
- Season
- All year
01/ Overview
The route
Through the village of Blauen, famed for its award-winning historic appearance, an old pilgrims' path leads past the Metzerlenkreuz and Rotberg Castle to the Benedictine abbey at Mariastein, the second-most important pilgrimage site in Switzerland.
From the stop in Zwingen, the yellow-waymarked hiking trail leads out of the village and climbs to Blauen. Along the way, stretches of woodland alternate with open meadows, with small settlements repeatedly appearing at the edges. Beyond Blauen, the forest becomes a constant companion. The route continues at a steady ascent into the hills of the Jura.
Passing Bergmattenhof, the trail leads to Mätzlerchrüz. At around 790 m, the hike reaches its highest point here. The ascent then eases, and the trail descends through the forest and across open terrain towards Mariastein. Shortly before the destination stands the medieval Rotberg Castle, which has served as a youth hostel since its conversion in 1935.
After eleven kilometres and just over three hours, the route reaches Mariastein. The Mariastein, Kloster stop is only a few minutes’ walk from the end of the route.
02/ Along the route
What's along the way
Where the route climbs and where it descends. Hover the profile to find the spot on the map.
03/ Conditions
Current conditions
What to know before you set off. Closures and snow are re-checked every day.
How we check: Every night we match the route against the official closures and detours from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Any reported closure that touches the route shows up here.
How we check: We look up a live public transport connection from your starting point to the stop closest to the trailhead. If it ends further away, the nearest stop may be a cable car or bus that isn't running right now.
How we check: Snow depth estimated daily at the lowest and the highest point of the route. Estimates: check the situation on site.
04/ Getting there
Getting there
From your door to the trailhead and home again, by train and bus or by car. Computed live from the timetable.
Or from
Outbound
Return
05/ Weather
Weather on the way
Forecast for the lowest and the highest point of the route.
Weather
06/ Trail & landscape
Trail & landscape
Which paths you walk on and the landscape they lead through.
07/ Snow
Snow on the route
Snow depths, new snow and forecast. Estimates: check the situation on site before you set off.
Snow Info
Comparative snow depth is only available from November 1 to June 30.
08/ Export
Take the route with you
Load the track onto your GPS device, print a route sheet for the trail or send the route to your hiking group.
Share
Send the link to friends or your hiking group.
Export GPX File
For hiking apps, GPS watches and navigation devices.
Print Route Sheet
A4 with map, elevation profile, waypoints and emergency numbers.
