Herzroute
Overview
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Distance 51 km
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Ascent 740 m
Intro
Setting off from memorable Einsiedeln, the route hugs the north shore of the Sihlsee lake. Across the Teufelsbrücke bridge and the Etzel Pass, you will reach a spot with panoramic views far over Lake Zurich, which you will later cycle around via Buechberg and Schmerikon. Rapperswil welcomes visitors with its Mediterranean-style hospitality.
Description
“The essence of each and every one of us remains steady as a rock”: this is a quotation from Paracelsus, who was born near Einsiedeln in 1494. Nowadays, the Renaissance man from Central Switzerland is primarily associated with naturopathy and holistic medicine. In Paracelsus Park in Einsiedeln, there is a monument in his name. It features a statue of a woman from Einsiedeln with two children, with all three looking hale and hearty. Today’s leg involves tackling 740 metres in elevation. While it might seem like a lot at first glance, it is brought into perspective when considering all 13 legs as a whole: an average leg of the Herzroute covers almost 1,200 metres in elevation. Some technological assistance can help take a bit of the load off.
You will leave Einsiedeln, a pilgrimage site said to have mystical powers, along the northern shore of the Sihlsee lake. In Egg, a large information board guides the way to a chapel of “Brother Klaus” (“Bruder Klausenkapelle”), born Niklaus von Flüe. A little further on, you will reach the Teufelsbrücke bridge. Paracelsus was born right next to the historic Bogenbrücke bridge over the river Sihl. This is also the site of the second monument on this leg. On the Etzel Pass, located at 950 metres above sea level, you will find the St. Meinrad chapel and the inn of the same name. Surrounded by a gentle mountain landscape featuring a dam, islands, railway lines and boats, Lake Zurich certainly looks beautiful from up here. Next is a leisurely stretch, as you approach this long body of water through a rural area. At St. Johannesburg, you will encounter picturesque vineyards. Lachen am Obersee calls for a leisurely saunter: it boasts Lake Zurich’s longest promenade, with over 20 restaurants. Nuoler Ried is just as enticing. This is a breeding ground for lapwings and is kept behind electric fences so that foxes and other predators cannot snatch their eggs.
The Kibag AG gravel plant and the golf course a little further along both dominate their surroundings. The Buechberg hill that follows is steep. The wooded part is gorgeous, but bear in mind that the Schrötermoos nature reserve is swarming with midges. The route winds its way through the Schlosswald wood to the Linth Canal and on to Grynau Castle, a popular destination in the heart of the Linth region. The grounds of this medieval fortress complex include a country inn with a terrace and views of the Glarus Alps.
“Alles ist Übergang” (“All things pass”) is written at the Aabachbrücke bridge before you reach Schmerikon, meaning it’s time to cross over. The final stretch that follows involves a glorious ride along the shores of Lake Zurich. Pass by the Cistercian Wurmsbach Abbey with its Mariazell convent, gloriously situated right on the lake shore. The route then takes you to Rapperswil, where majestic storks soar over your head at the children’s zoo. The tour ends at the railway station, but you can of course take a detour around this beautiful “city of roses” with its castle and lakeside promenade.
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 |
Einsiedeln
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Rapperswil-Jona
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| Ascent |
740 m
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| Descent |
1200 m
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| Distance |
51 km
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| Distance on tarred ways |
36 km
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| Distance on natural surface |
15 km
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/veloland/etappe99.0... |
Quick Facts
Route number
