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Fischingen is located in an area known as “Tannzapfenland” (“pine cone territory”) and is the southernmost municipality in Thurgau. This place is known for its magnificent baroque monastery, where a community of Benedictine monks has been living since 1977. Every day, the monks’ choral prayer rings out, which you are free to go and witness firsthand. From here, you will enjoy a very gentle uphill walk through the Murgtal valley and onwards to Au. After this, the path will become steeper and go up a long flight of steps. After Kaltenbrunnen, walking along the meadow, you will the pass a boundary stone dating back to 1640, which marks the border between the cantons of Thurgau, St. Gallen and Zurich.

The fantastic Hörnli viewpoint is accessed via the eastern slope of the Chlihörnli. At 1,133 metres above sea level, an enchanting 360-degree panorama opens up over the Tösstal valley, the Säntis mountain and, of course, the Alps to the south. This is an ideal spot for a nice long rest, as there are still over two hours to go.

The descent to Steg in the Tösstal valley takes just over an hour. You will walk down 450 metres in elevation along a mix of gravel roads and paths. As its name implies, the river Töss flows through the village of Töss, which is part of the municipality of Fischenthal. The source of the river, which you will only follow for a brief stretch, is not far away in the vicinity of the Tössstock and Schwarzenberg mountains. After passing the mouth of the Fuchslochbach stream, you will follow the Mühlebach stream and the railway tracks from Schmittenbach onwards until you reach Gibswil. The route will then climb up from the valley towards Büel and onwards to Blattenbach. With a beautiful view of Lake Zurich, this is a great spot to take a break.

Passing by the hamlet of Töbeli, you will cross the pilgrims’ bridge over the river Jona, which flows into the upper end of Lake Zurich at Rapperswil. Next you will enjoy a leisurely walk to Moosriet. Significant quantities of botanical neophytes were found in this area up until late 2019. To limit these, some of them have been removed and turned to wetland. Shortly after this, you will cross the Jona twice and find yourself entering Rapperswil-Jona, a blend of two places which merged in 2007. This is the second biggest city in the canton of St. Gallen, after its capital. Its promenade and beautiful old town make it a popular getaway destination. The last hour of walking leads through the centre, past Rapperswil Castle and Lake Zurich.