Grappelensee from Unterwasser

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 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).

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.

Almost all of the elevation gain is in the first two kilometres. Your efforts will be rewarded once you reach the lake. A peaceful and relaxing spot, with views of Santis and Ebenalp among others, which will make you forget the tingling in your thighs.

This stage will take you from Appenzell to Schwägalp at the foot of the Säntis. This day is devoted to climbing the Kronberg, a ridge parallel to the Alpstein massif. The Kronberg offers superb views of the Säntis to the south and the plain stretching to Lake Constance in the north. In the evening, you will appreciate the tranquillity of Schwägalp.

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 stage will take you from Speicher to Appenzell via Trogen. At Hohe Buche, you will enjoy a superb view of Lake Constance and the city of St Gallen. Another hill will take you to the summit of the Säntis. A descent through the mountain pastures will lead you to Appenzell, famous for its cheese. A visit to the town is a must.

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.