Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 8 – Einsiedeln to Unterägeri.
Length: 12 miles (19 km);
Hiking time: 5.5 h;
Ascent: 2,375 ft (720 m);
Descent: 2,850 ft (860 m);
Fitness Level: Medium.
Einsiedeln Abbey is a Benedictine monastery in the village of Einsiedeln in the canton of Schwyz, Switzerland. The abbey is dedicated to Our Lady of the Hermits, the title being derived from the circumstances of its foundation, for the first inhabitant of the region was Saint Meinrad, a hermit. It is a territorial abbey and, therefore, not part of a diocese, subject to a bishop. It has been a major resting point on the Way of St. James for centuries.
I found Stage 8 to be one of the most exciting and enchanting sections of the Alpine Panorama Trail. Check out the end of Stage 7 for more Einsiedeln Abbey: https://youtu.be/oLQ4Q_wSiHo And my Einsiedeln Christmas Market video: https://youtu.be/sd1BTzieTFk
I’ve been to Einsiedeln about 10 times in the last few years. I’ve never walked around the town during summer until now.
Einsiedeln and Zug are reasonably famous and well-traveled areas; however, the Ägerisee high valley and the Rothenthurm high moor are corners of Switzerland most people don’t know about. The Rothenthurm Moor does not look exciting on the surface. Below the surface, where the unique peat-bog geology is found, can provide days of exploration even for the novice geologist. I was excited to hike through the peat bog having visited Scotland the previous year.
The first chapel on St. Jost must have been built around 1340. As early as 1346, Pope Clement VI granted a letter of indulgence to this place of pilgrimage. The oldest bell, which is still ringing, bears the casting date of 1385. The St. Jost Chapel is a favorite place for wedding ceremonies and for moments of personal reflection. Watch and see for yourself.
Once you get to the St. Jost Chapel, the hike changes to a viewing extravaganza over the Ägerisee Valley. I spend some time talking about Swiss Hydropower.
This part of the hike is one of my favorite portions of the Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail. High energy and big smiles are in order. The views speak for themselves.
I enjoyed this section, looking both north and south. The trail turned into soft dirt over rock, a surface I like hiking on. Meeting a German YouTuber was fun as well.
The end of the hike includes two Alp houses and wonderful views before a downward hike to Unterägeri.