Goldingen walks

This fourth stage will take you from Chrüzegg to Rapperswil on the shores of Lake Zurich. The trail quickly leads to a ridge line, passing through Tweralspitz. In the distance, you will recognise Chrüzegg. You will then descend gradually towards Rotstein, Schwammegg and Köbelberg, with panoramic views on both sides. From Rüeterswil, the Züri Oberland-Höhenweg and the Via Jacobi merge. The arrival in Rapperswil is achieved by avoiding roads as much as possible.

This third stage will take you from the Hulftegg Pass to the isolated inn at Chrüzegg. The start of the route alternates between forest and pastures before taking a ridge trail at Roten. You will follow this ridge between the cantons of St. Gallen and Zurich to the Schnebelhorn, the highest point in the canton of Zurich and also the highest point of the hike. This summit offers a splendid panorama stretching from Lake Constance to Lake Zurich. The scenic route then passes through the Schindelberg, Rossegg, Habrütispitz and Chrüzegg peaks, offering more superb views.

This stage will take you from Siebnen to Einsiedeln. After the long climb up the Stöcklichrüz, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Lake Zurich and the Sihlsee. At the Etzelpass, you will pass the St. Meinradskapelle chapel and the birthplace of Paracelsus. In Einsiedeln, a major pilgrimage site in Switzerland, don't miss a visit to the monastery.

This route starts in Pfäffikon (SZ) and leads to Rapperswil (SG) along a wide causeway that divides Lake Zurich into two parts. The first section follows wide gravel paths through a peaceful landscape. Up to Hurden, the path winds through meadows. From Hurden to Rapperswil, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the lake as you walk along a series of wooden jetties. In Rapperswil, the path passes through a beautiful park leading to the historic town centre. The return journey can be made via the same route or by train (a train runs every half hour between Rapperswil and Pfäffikon).

This long, almost flat stage will take you from Amden to Siebnen, crossing three cantons: St. Gallen, Glarus and Schwyz. You will walk along the Walensee and then the Linth Canal. Several small villages follow one after the other before you arrive in Siebnen.

This second stage will take you from Gyrenbad to the Hulftegg Pass. The Schauenberg offers a magnificent view of the Alps. The route to Sitzberg offers more interesting views, particularly of the Bichelsee. From Sitzberg (on the border between the cantons of Zurich and St. Gallen) to Allenwinden, the route follows a small road, which fortunately is not very busy. When you arrive at the Hulftegg Pass, you will enjoy a superb view of the Toggenburg and the Appenzell region.

This stage will take you from Stein to Amden. You will walk alongside the Dürrenbach, a torrent with numerous waterfalls, for a long time. At Vordere Höhi, you will enjoy a superb view of the Glarus Alps. You will pass at the foot of the Mattstock as you descend to Amden. As you approach this village, you can also admire the Walensee.

This hike follows the Via Jacobi (signposted with a No. 4 symbol). Einsiedeln, home to a vast monastery, is a major pilgrimage centre. The route offers views of Lake Sihl. After crossing the Etzel Pass, you’ll catch sight of Lake Zurich as you descend towards Pfäffikon.

This stage will take you from Einsideln to Unterägeri. You will enjoy a superb view at the Chatzenstrick pass. You will descend to Unterägeri on the shores of Lake Ägeri via a ridge path.

This short stage will take you from Schwägalp to Stein. You will cross numerous mountain pastures until you reach Lutertannen. From Risipass, you will continue through meadows and mountain pastures until you reach Stein (Canton of St. Gallen).

A lovely circular route starting from the Unterwasser car park, passing by Grappelensee and descending towards Alt St Johann. The route follows small tarmac roads before reaching the higher ground. The same applies on the descent. These roads are quiet.

Four-day tour through the cantons of Zurich and St. Gallen. This route offers views of Lake Zurich and the peaks of the Bernese Alps, the Glärnisch massif and the Alpstein, including the Säntis Winterthur, the starting point, and Rapperswil, the finish, both have remarkable historic centres.

For this first stage, starting from Winterthur station, after exploring the old town, you will very quickly find yourself in the countryside. You will cross an animal park. The route is quite varied, following the Töss river and passing through the peaceful village of Kollbrunn. Then, a ridge path will lead you to Gyrenbad, a place of tranquillity and rest.

Nineteenth stage: From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura mountain range. For this final stage, you will take the ViaJacobi, the ancient pilgrimage route that leads German pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela via Geneva. Following in their footsteps, you will reach the city of Constance (Konstanz), nestled in southern Germany. Constance charms visitors with its medieval charm, particularly in the picturesque Niederburg district, where narrow streets and half-timbered houses tell centuries of history. Its majestic Romanesque cathedral, the Münster Unserer Lieben Frau, has watched over the city since the Middle Ages. Finally, Lake Constance (Bodensee), a true natural gem, stretches out at the foot of the Alps and unites three nations — Germany, Switzerland and Austria — in a landscape of serene beauty.

Stage 18 From Les Rousses to Lake Constance via the Jura ridges. This stage, starting from Uesslingen, first takes you through peaceful agricultural pastures before skirting the vineyards of an old monastery. You then reach Warth, home to the Ittingen Charterhouse, which bears witness to more than 850 years of history and spirituality. Passing through Frauenfeld, the capital of the canton of Thurgau, you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and return to the tranquillity of the banks of the Thur. The route takes you to Pfyn, then offers a beautiful immersion along the river, punctuated by the passage of the superb Eschikofen customs bridge. A stage combining heritage, nature and the gentle flow of the river.

This fourth stage will take you from Sattel to Holzegg. The route begins with a fairly steep climb up to Mostelberg. As you round the Angelstock and then follow the eastern slope of the Mythen, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the lakes and mountains of Central Switzerland. In Holzegg, you’ll be at the foot of the Gross Mythen. A difficult and demanding trail leads up to this summit

This fifth stage will take you from Holzegg to Einsiedeln. This beautiful route passes through wetlands before reaching Halbegg via wooden steps. The hike continues with the steep ascent of the Furggelenstock. An orientation board shows the peaks visible on a clear day: the Pilatus, the Säntis and also Lake Zurich. After a steep descent and a series of ups and downs, you’ll reach Butziflue. As you descend towards Einsiedeln, you’ll look out over Lake Sihl. In the distance, you’ll catch sight of the imposing Einsiedeln Abbey.

The circuit around the Grosser Mythen offers a variety of landscapes. The descent towards Mythenbad is very green. The climb up to the pass separating the two Mythen peaks (Zwüschet Mythen) is quite steep but very well maintained. Once you reach Zwüschet Mythen, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the Mythen massif.

The Grosser Mythen is the iconic peak of the canton of Schwyz. The ascent, with its numerous hairpin bends, is quite steep all the way to the summit. This route is reserved for experienced hikers; it requires sure-footedness and a good level of fitness. Once at the summit, you’ll enjoy a superb view of the lakes of the Four Cantons, Zug and Ägeri, as well as the Alpine peaks.