ViaJacobi
Overview
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Distance 14 km
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Duration 3 h 40 min
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Ascent 220 m
Intro
In medieval times, the area where the trail crosses the Linth plain was still a lake, and up to 200 years ago still swampland. This knowledge of landscape history lends the hike at the upper Zürichsee a particular appeal, complementing the stunning scenery.
Description
Since the Middle Ages, there has been a chapel at the start of this stage dedicated to St James, the patron saint of pilgrims. The path takes you across some fields to Goldberg hill and Schmerikon at the upper end of Lake Zurich. Located on a south-facing slope, Schmerikon enjoys a lot of sun exposure. The peaceful village in the Canton St. Gallen has excellent connections to the regional and national road and rail network. The views across the bay of Schmerikon, the mouth of the Linth River, the uninhabited shore of Buechberg and all the way down the lake to Etzel mountain and the lake dam are delightful. The path follows the lakeshore for a short while and eventually leads out of the residential area along the mouth of the Aabach.
From Schmerikon the trail continues through the Linth Plain where a lake was located during the Middle Ages and a swamp area until about 200 years ago. Today, renaturation efforts are being made by environmental organisations to revitalise the earlier path of the Linth River. Enhancing protected areas and supporting endangered species are a priority of the project.
After crossing two bridges you reach the Linth Canal just a few minutes later and continue along the perfectly straight Linth dam. The canal conducts the clear water of Lake Walen through the open plain into Lake Zurich. It is fringed by reeds and various flower meadows. Near Grynau castle you cross the Linth. The well preserved tower was built in the 13th century to secure the river crossing. Next to it is a chapel dedicated to the Holy Helpers. Shortly thereafter you come to the entrance to the Grynau fortress. The 1400 meter long tunnels from the 1940s have been renovated and refurbished for tours.
South of Buechberg, the path leads through a wetland and past the beautifully situated Linthbord chapel of Tuggen. With a bit of luck, you may spot some storks on the surrounding fields.
The last section after Tuggen mostly follows paved roads across fields with beautiful far-reaching views and past other chapels. Continue along the train track for a short while to the end of the hike at Wägitaler Aa near the protestant church of Siebnen in the Canton Schwyz.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Neuhaus SG
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Siebnen
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
220 m
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| Descent |
260 m
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| Distance |
14 km
|
| Duration |
3 h 40 min
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| Duration back |
3 h 40 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
|
| Physical requirements |
Medium
|
| Season |
All year
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Quick Facts
Route number
