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Intro

The hike from Siebnen to St. Meinrad is uphill. But efforts are rewarded and not only with views of the Obersee. The St. Meinrad Chapel and Inn both make an impression with their long history and stunning location on the Etzelpass.

Description

Politically, the village of Siebnen belongs to the three municipalities of Schübelbach, Galgenen and Wangen. The borders run right through the centre of Siebnen, where the hike begins with the crossing of the Wägitaler Aa.

A gravel road leads out of the residential area of Siebnen and across meadows to the first buildings of Galgenen. Continue to follow a paved road through the rolling landscape past tractors and chapels. South of the national highway bypass near Lachen a bridge crosses Spreitenbach river in a residential area.

After the flat first half, the path steadily goes up from the crossing of the Rotbach river to today’s destination. Chapel St. Johann is located on the paved road. It is one of the most important sacral structures in the Canton Schwyz. The residential area slowly gives way to a nature trail through fields and along the edge of the forest, while climbing higher and higher above Lake Zurich.

The hiking trail then changes to a pilgrim’s path coming from the direction of Altendorf. It is nearly 500 years old and appears to have been cobbled and two meters wide, at least in the upper part. This was more than necessary at the time, because in the 17th and 18th centuries more than 150,000 people would come to the most important event in Einsiedeln, the Engelweihe celebration, which is the ceremony marking the consecration of the monastery’s chapel.

From Schwändi, a lovely path rises slightly in the direction of the Etzel pass and the Etzel chapel. The latter was built in 1698 at an altitude of close to 1000 m and offers gorgeous views of the Einsiedeln mountain valley.

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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Siebnen
Destination
St. Meinrad (Etzelpass)
Direction
One way
Ascent
500 m
Descent
110 m
Distance
11 km
Duration
3 h
Duration back
2 h 40 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Medium
Season
March - October
Theme
Over a pass

Route

ViaJacobi

Rorschach- / Konstanz (D) - Charrot (Grenze)
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 33/33

Distance

11 km

Duration

3 h

Ascent

500 m

Travel information: Siebnen

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