Zürichsee-Rundweg, Stage 5/10

Starting out flat, this route hugs the lake and crosses the Allmend, where there are often ducks and swans searching for food. Once past the airfield, you’ll see vines, a golf course and then a section of forest. Over the brow of the hill, you arrive at the Linth Canal and a restaurant in a former manor house before finally reaching Schmerikon at the end of the stage.

The approximately 23-kilometre hike begins near the public transport stop in Pfäffikon SZ. Following yellow-marked hiking trails, it leads via Altendorf to Lachen. Between the settlements, open meadows alternate with short built-up sections. In Lachen, the route passes the parish church of Heilig-Kreuz and reaches Lake Zurich immediately afterwards.

A short stretch along the Wägitaler Aa leads towards Nuolen. Beyond the village, the trail climbs into the woodland on the elongated Buechberg, a molasse hill between Nuolen and Uznach. At around 600 metres, the highest point of the hike is reached here. The steady succession of ascents and descents along the wooded ridge forms the quieter middle section; the route involves around 400 metres of elevation gain in total.

From the Buechberg, the trail descends towards Grynau and passes the Turm Grynau. Near the end, it follows the Aabach for a short time. The first houses herald the approach to Schmerikon, where the hike of just under six hours ends near the public transport stop.