Zürichsee-Rundweg
Overview
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Distance 15 km
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Duration 3 h 50 min
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Ascent 380 m
Intro
A delightful hike through landscapes such as those once described by Gottfried Keller. Several climbs offer best views over the lake and surroundings – with the Glarner and Innerschweiz Alps providing a spectacular highlight of their own.
Description
Rapperswil is a picturesque little town on Lake Zurich. Art aficionados can admire the sculptures on the promenade, while boat enthusiasts can watch the many boats that sail by and nature lovers can spot the dice snakes that like to sunbathe on the stones. The first stretch of the route is part of the Way of St. James from the Tösstal valley, easily identified by the bronze scallop shells embedded in between the cobblestones. The town centre is connected to the castle by a set of wide steps. A brief detour to the rose garden or deer park is well worth it.
The old town is now behind you. The path climbs by around 60 metres as it winds its way through a number of neighbourhoods of newbuilds. Despite the meadows extending out to your right and houses on your left, you will still enjoy largely unobstructed views of the shimmering lake and the opposite shore.
The area around Lake Zurich that the hiking trail is now passing through is known amongst other things for its wines, which are made from several different grape varieties. The sun-kissed slopes above Uerikon offer ideal conditions for growing räuschling, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and pinot noir as well as riesling, viognier and merlot. From its lofty heights, the path then descends gently along or through vineyards almost as far as the lake, making this section particularly beautiful when the leaves are a blaze of colour. Skirting Feldbach railway station, you will come to the KREIS-Haus a little further down. This wooden building meets all its own energy needs and was designed entirely with the circular economy in mind. Vegetables are grown in its attic. You can even rent this pioneering building for a few nights if you like. Next, the path leads south of Hombrechtikon to the Turpenweid, a pond where locals enjoy coming to relax and spend their free time.
The hike ends with a steep and fairly challenging descent through a ravine. Once in Stäfa, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or simply soak up the atmosphere in this lakeside town. People never cease to be amazed by the rural feel you get in all of the lakeside communities in this local recreational area.
Here’s a tip for you: this hike is especially appealing to do in the evening, when the slowly setting sun bathes the lake in a golden glow. Even after nightfall, however, the stage is still easy to tackle as it is lit by the scattered light from the surrounding villages.
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 |
Rapperswil SG
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Stäfa
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
500 m
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| Ascent |
380 m
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| Descent |
380 m
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| Distance |
15 km
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| Duration |
3 h 50 min
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| Duration back |
3 h 50 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Season |
All year
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| Theme |
With panoramic view
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Quick Facts
Route number
