Züri Oberland-Höhenweg, Stage 4/4

The hike's first part runs on the hillcrest and the border with Toggenburg. The panoramic views in any direction over the Zurich Oberland and the Alpine chain are fantastic. Parallel to the Jakobsweg, the trail continues to Rapperswil with its striking castle on Lake Zurich.

The starting point is Chrüzegg, away from public transport links. The nearest stop, Atzmännig Schutt, is around 2 km away. Right from the start, the hiking trail climbs through woodland and across open pastures to the highest point of the route at Tweralpspitz, at around 1,330 m. The long descent then begins.

The trail heads towards Rüeterswil over wooded hilltops and open uplands. Alternating between meadows, stretches of woodland and settlements, it continues via St. Gallenkappel to Neuhaus and Eschenbach. The route remains on marked hiking trails throughout, but with around 1,400 metres of descent and a total distance of 25 km, it still requires stamina. Just under seven hours should be allowed for the entire route.

After Johannisberg, the hike leads through Jona into the old town of Rapperswil. Passing the parish church of St. Johann, it continues to Rapperswil Castle, which stands above the old town on a rocky spur surrounded by the lake. Shortly afterwards, the shore of Lake Zurich is reached. Rapperswil railway station is located immediately by the finish.