Most probably everyone of you heard of the Camino de Santiago before. This trail, also known as The Way of Saint James or Jakobsweg, leads to Santiago de Compostela where the remains of the apostle Saint James are said to be buried. Basically one can start the pilgrimage from almost anywhere in Europe, also of course from Switzerland. The part of Switzerland is known as Via Jacobi and leads in about 25 to 30 days from Rorschach to Geneva. From there one can continue on through France all the way to Spain. As I never been on the Via Jacobi before, I thought it a good idea to walk one day of it to get a glimpse of what it's all about. I chose to walk the part that leads from the town of Einsiedeln to the town of Schwyz. Einsiedeln is well known for it's old and popular monastery and was therefore the perfect spot to start this day hike. From the monastery the trail first led through Einsiedeln and then out into the valley of Alptal. For the first two and a half hours I followed the way along this valley always with the Great and the Small Mythen in sight before me. The hiking was easygoing and flat and there were a lot of flowers blooming which made the surroundings colorful and beautiful.
Along the way I passed some crosses, some really small shrines and even another monastery. So I was reminded frequently that I was walking on the Via Jacobi. Once in the town of Alpthal the path continued upwards through the forest. This part was pretty steep, but definitely worth the effort. First time I emerged out of the trees again, I was met by a gorgeous view of the Great and the Small Mythen. A perfect spot for a (well deserved) break to admire the two mountains. After the break I continued on for another half an hour and then reached the highest point of the whole Via Jacobi called Haggenegg. The view from there is truly spectacular, reaching out all the way to the lake of Lucerne and the Alps behind it.
As there is a restaurant it's also the perfect spot for the inevitable summit beer. :) The descent from Haggenegg to Schwyz was pretty steep sometimes but nothing to be worried about too much. In this second part there were not that many crosses and shrines as there were in the first part. But that was not surprising as this part of the path was mainly in the forest. Once out of the steeper parts and the forest, I was yet met again by some lovely views. This made the last part of the walk a breeze and I reached Schwyz sooner than expected. I really enjoyed this part of the Via Jacobi and I guess it wasn't the last time I was walking on it. :)
Highlight of the day: the views of the two breaking spots
This hike is for you if:
- you want to get a taste of the Via Jacobi
- you want to connect the hiking with some spirituality
- you're looking for panoramic views of the Great and the Small Mythen
- you don't mind a couple steeper parts up and down
This hike is not for you if:
- you're looking for silence and loneliness
- you don't like to walk straightforward for a couple hours
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