Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 7 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln
Length: 14.5 miles (23 km);
Hiking time: 7 h;
Ascent: 3,600 ft (1100 m);
Descent: 2,230 ft (680 m);
Fitness Level: Difficult.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 7, #1 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln. This segment could look a little tough with more valley hike after the very long valley hike of Stage 6 (visit Stage 6 Playlist – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpjFM…). But, as great as Stage 6 started in Amden and Weesen, this hike ends with similar excitement along the lake, Sihlsee and the town of Einsiedeln. I was lucky enough to time this Stage in December when the Einsiedeln Christmas Market was open. Most Christmas Markets have a theme or specialty and the Einsiedeln Weihinachtsmarkt is no exception, make sure to seek out the Eierkirsch (Egg Nog with Kirsch), the many selections of jams and jellies as well as the standard Fondue in a baguette and Glühwein. Each town has their own twist on Glühwein. Earned rewards after a long day. My 360° video of the Einsiedeln Christmas Market – https://youtu.be/sd1BTzieTFk
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 7, #2 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln. This is a long hike with over 3,600 ft. of ascent in one long climb. The opening 5 km from Siebnen to Steinegg is a suburban stroll. Then the big climb jumps between trail, path, and road until the Stöcklichrüz peak where a beautiful Alp House, Stöcklihütte, awaits.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 7, #3 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln. The upper valley hike to St. Meinrad has some great views and provides several opportunities for eating. This hard to get to farming town is a gem. This is exactly the kind of town I hope to find while hiking.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 7, #4 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln. In the middle of the hike, around the town of St. Meinrad and also near the beautiful covered bridge, Tüfelsbrugg am Etzel, there are historical tributes to a 1500’s doctor named Paracelsus. He contributed to many medical advances during this time of the Renaissance. Theophrastus von Hohenheim, or Paracelsus as we know him now, was born in this area. Just before the bridge there is a wonderful restaurant named Krone in Etzel. I recommend the Apple Strudel.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 7, #5 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln. Now I am really starting to get excited about the Alps ahead. On a clear day, everything is in view, today, we have dramatic clouds.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 7, #6 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln. Fireworks begin as the Sihlsee comes into view along with a long-range of beautiful peaks. Glarner Alp, which is also seen in Stage 6, is the tallest peak when looking down the Sihlsee.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 7, #7 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln. This is a bit personal as I state some things I’m grateful for in 2021. Mt. Glarner is in the background of Lake Sihl.
Swiss Alpine Panorama Trail, Segment 7, #8 – Siebnen to Einsiedeln. Einsiedeln Abbey is a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Our Lady of the Hermits, named after Saint Meinrad from St. Gallen. It is a territorial abbey and, therefore, not part of a diocese or subject to a bishop. It has been a major resting point on the Way of St. James for centuries, which is why the Swiss Route #4 comes through Einsiedeln.