In the Zurich Oberland
The canton of Zurich is a fascinating mosaic of urban and rural landscapes, woven together in a tapestry of contrasts. On one end, there’s Zurich itself, a vibrant metropolis, a true melting pot of diversity. Its trendy districts, prestigious financial institutions, and cultural vibrancy make it a hub where art and finance meet. Then, there’s the Goldküste, or “Golden Coast,” where luxurious mansions rise above the waters of the lake, their prices reaching into the tens of millions. Yet, this region also contains more modest homes, relics from a time when Zurich’s residents lived here before the millionaires arrived. Yes, even in Zurich, the countryside has its place. The Zurich Oberland, a vast area of the canton between Thurgau and St. Gallen, presents a more rural and peaceful face.
Today, your journey will lead you through the Töss Valley, where verdant hills are covered in dense forests, and steep valleys are crisscrossed by streams that pour into the Töss River, which gives this region its name. The abundant water and steep slopes once fueled the development of water-powered textile mills. Though these mills have now vanished from the landscape, they left behind a historical imprint. In Winterthur, a former stronghold of the textile industry, only a museum remains to testify to this lost industrial heritage. Another regional curiosity is the art of wood carving. Farmers, facing the harsh winters, would carve wooden spoons to survive, and these handcrafted objects became a hallmark of the local culture. In this narrow valley, with its forested peaks and steep molasse slopes, the side valleys often turn into wild and impressive ravines. Further along, beyond Gibswil, the main course transforms into the Jona Valley. As you cross the Jonatal, the scenery changes, opening up to offer panoramic views of the alpine ranges, before you reach the canton’s edge at Rapperswil, located in the canton of St Gallen, on the shores of Lake Zurich.
We divided the course into several sections to make it easier to see. For each section, the maps show the course, the slopes found on the course, and the state of the route (paved or dirt roads). The courses were drawn on the « Wikilocs » platform. Today, it is no longer necessary to walk around with detailed maps in your pocket or bag. If you have a mobile phone or tablet, you can easily follow routes live.
For this stage, here is the link:
Difficulty level: Today’s route presents manageable or even mild elevation changes (+245 meters/-532 meters). Of course, there are some ascents, with the one beyond Gibswil perhaps being the most memorable. But overall, today’s route is primarily a steady descent towards Lake Zurich.
State of the Via Jacobi: On this stage, paved sections outnumber paths:
- Paved roads: 12.1 km
- Dirt roads 9.0 km
It’s clear that not all travelers are comfortable using GPS and navigating via smartphone, and there are still many areas without an internet connection. As a result, you find a book on Amazon that covers this journey.
If you only want to consult lodging of the stage, go directly to the bottom of the page.
Sometimes, for reasons of logistics or housing possibilities, these stages mix routes operated on different days, having passed several times on Via Podiensis. From then on, the skies, the rain, or the seasons can vary. But, generally this is not the case, and in fact this does not change the description of the course.
It is very difficult to specify with certainty the incline of the slopes, whatever the system you use.
For those seeking « true elevations » and enthusiasts of genuine altimetric challenges, carefully review the information on mileage at the beginning of the guide.
Section 1: In the Töss Valley
Overview of the route’s challenges: generally easy route.
The Via Jacobi begins in Steg im Tösstal, a village where time seems to stretch, wrapping travelers in an almost timeless tranquility as houses line the road with gentle persistence.
Leaving the straight road, the Via Jacobi veers off, crossing the Töss—a modest but charming stream whose clear waters murmur softly as they flow over stones polished by time. This small river, like a soothing melody, accompanies the pilgrim on their journey, its sparkling waters playing with sunlight, splashing light onto the moss-covered stones it gently caresses.
The road then winds between verdant meadows and suburban developments, flirting with the quiet murmur of the Mühlebach stream. The Zurich Oberland is a land of contrasts, where silvery streams cascade from gentle hills or small mountains, animating the landscape with an invisible but ever-present life that whispers secrets to the attentive ears of the walker.
Suddenly, a dirt path presents itself, climbing with relentless determination up a small hill, its slope unexpectedly steep. Here, a ski lift emerges from the landscape, a surprising presence that reminds one that despite the modesty of the surrounding mountains, this region hosts a ski area where Swiss Olympic athletes, heirs to a sporting tradition rooted in these lands, have trained.
At the top of this brief but demanding hill, a solitary bench invites a contemplative pause. From this perch, the view, though not grandiose, breathes the serenity of unspoiled nature. A narrow path then emerges, winding through the grass and gently descending above the railway, like a transition between two worlds—the world of the earth and the world of the rail.
The route crosses the railway tracks, a taut line that seems to mark a boundary, but the Via Jacobi crosses it nonchalantly, only to find the Mühlebach once again—a faithful companion that reappears quietly but consistently in this natural ballet.
After passing through a neighborhood of beautiful homes, the path bends once more, returning to the other side of the tracks, continuing its ongoing dialogue between the railway and the streams that crisscross the region. Here, the journey becomes a continuous conversation, a rhythmic alternation between the murmur of water and the distant rumble of trains, which seem to follow their own pilgrimage, but one of steel and muffled noise.
Once again, the river crosses the path, like an old friend you keep meeting around every corner. The Via Jacobi crosses it again, a quiet dance between two banks that seem to play with geography.
But the apparent peace of this route is deceptive, as the path along the river never lingers long, refusing to be captured by any monotony. It crosses the stream again, each passage feeling like a return to a starting point that exists only in the moment—a treasure hunt where the Mühlebach seems to lead the dance.
Here, the Via Jacobi continues its flirtation with the river, crossing it once more in a series of crossings that eventually become a ritual, a peaceful refrain in this symphony of nature.
Then, the path widens, lazily stretching towards Fischenthal, like a ribbon undulating with the hills. The way winds gently, moving away from the tracks to better embrace the curve of the landscape, inviting the traveler to a contemplative stroll. Here, nature seems to have taken the time to breathe, offering a tranquil but captivating spectacle. The path, initially wide and generous, gradually narrows, as if trying to slip away, to blend into the murmur of the woods and meadows.
For a few hundred meters, the now more intimate path moves away from the tracks. Far from the metallic clatter of trains, the solitude of the walker is gently cradled by the quiet song of the wind in the leaves. It feels like a pause, a break in the journey, where each step becomes a meditation, a silent contemplation of the surroundings. .
Then, almost on a whim, the path returns to flirt with the tracks, as if hesitating to leave them for good. It passes by Fischenthal station, a quiet witness to minimal human activity. The Via Jacobi, for its part, skirts the village center, preferring the periphery to the hustle and bustle, as if wanting to preserve the tranquility of this place. Fischenthal, though the most populated in the Tösstal, seems to hold its breath, as if life flows more slowly here, sheltered from hurried gazes.
The path continues to follow the railway line, faithful to its course, before veering away again to offer one last nod to the Mühlebach. This stream, more than just a simple aquatic presence, is a traveling companion. It whispers in the traveler’s ear, accompanying their thoughts, carrying them along in its tranquil course. Who could tire of it, when a stroll along this river holds something magical, suspended out of time?
Soon, the path returns to brush against the railway line, like an old friend you meet after a long absence. On the other side, the church of Fischenthal stands, discreet but solid, a landmark in this landscape stretched along the county road. It seems to watch over the village, offering a reassuring presence, unchanging through the seasons.
The path, now narrow, stays prudently along the railway line, as if hesitating to leave it, as if each step brings it closer to a still uncertain destination.
Then, suddenly, it crosses another stream, the Zumbach. This one skips over the stones, joyful, almost mischievous, offering the walker a simple but invigorating scene.
A staircase then lifts you onto the road above, just steps from Fistel. This ascent, like a transition, takes you from one world to another, from the peaceful retreat of the woods to the openness of the fields.
The small road that follows gently guides you towards the village.
In Fistel, you are only half an hour away from Gibswil, the last village in the Fischenthal municipality.
The straight road cuts confidently through the meadows, following the railway line tirelessly. Here, the landscape becomes simpler, more rural. The meadows dominate—vast green expanses punctuated by a few rare cultivated fields. It is a region where the land seems to whisper its history, that of dairy herds and the slow passage of seasons.
Section 2: At the end of Upper Tösstal
Overview of the route’s challenges: The route is easy, with the exception of a significant hill.
At the end of the straight stretch, the Via Jacobi calmly leaves the road, crossing the railway tracks with quiet determination.
On the other side, a dirt path flattens across the meadows, fading into the greenery like an ephemeral footprint left by a solitary traveler.
As you head towards Gibswil, the path crosses three small streams, whose names—nearly unpronounceable to non-German speakers—barely conceal their modesty. These gentle watercourses, discreet and sometimes barely visible, add a touch of freshness and mystery to this pastoral landscape.
Without detouring, the path quickly approaches the outskirts of Gibswil.
Here, the road takes over, leading to a gliding center that stands as a modern curiosity in this bucolic setting.
In this village, you’ll find not only a train station but also a grocery store and a well-regarded hotel-restaurant—a rare luxury in this region, not frequently visited by foreign tourists. While local hikers are numerous, their taste for hotels remains limited. However, the restaurants enjoy steady patronage, a testament to the appeal of their gastronomic offerings.
At this point, you are about four hours and twenty minutes from Rapperswil, with Büel in sight, just a thirty-minute walk away.
The Via Jacobi then leaves Gibswil via the main road, crossing through the Upper Tösstal, where scattered villages stretch along the road with almost no interruption.
Soon after, the road runs through Ried, a district of Wald, the largest town in the region. Situated in the Jonatal, the high valley of the Jona and on the edge of the Tösstal, Wald is located in the highest part of the Tössbergland, a pre-Alpine region bordering the canton of St. Gallen.
The rare but elegant patrician houses stand alongside large farms that dominate the landscape, bearing witness to the agricultural wealth that characterizes this region.
At the corner of a house with curious contours, topped with a picturesque turret, the Via Jacobi leaves the winding lines of the valley to embrace the heights of the hills.
The ascent is a steep slope that winds up the hillside, leaving behind a landscape made entirely of lush meadows, with no cultivated fields in sight.
A large farm stretches along the roadside, adorned with the typical elements of Swiss farms: the Swiss flag, a true symbol of national pride, flies with dignity, while vibrant geraniums adorn the window sills.
Beyond this farm, a path winds through thick grass, climbing with a marked incline. The treeless meadow resonates with the harmonious song of nature. .
At the top of this ascent, the longest and most challenging of the day’s route, the path leads to the hamlet of Büel.
Here, the farms stand with imposing majesty. Unlike those in the cantons of Bern or eastern Switzerland, the farms in the canton of Zurich are distinguished not by refined elegance but by functional sobriety.
You might mistakenly imagine that the wealthy canton of Zurich is home only to banks and grand estates. In reality, today you will discover more imposing farms and an abundance of livestock, including the magnificent gray Braunvieh cows and lively goats.
Behind these large farms, the road passes through the hamlet and begins a descent into a small, peaceful dalee.
Shortly thereafter, it passes by a restaurant with uncertain opening hours. In this region, even reservoirs and electrical installations are adorned with turrets, adding a picturesque touch to rural life.
The road then begins a gentle descent, still flanked by lush green meadows. The natural surroundings reveal a serene charm, enhanced by the presence of numerous walnut trees, their branches gracefully stretching out. On the horizon, the imposing silhouettes of the Eastern Swiss mountains rise, elevating the landscape with their silent majesty.
Further down, at Hueb, the panorama transforms: magnificent patrician houses stand proudly among the farms, suggesting that the inhabitants here are not solely farmers. The proximity to Zurich contributes to this coexistence of urban and rural elements.
In the heart of the village, the Huebbach stream winds peacefully, carefully channeled, adding a touch of aquatic tranquility to the bucolic scene.
The road then resumes its gentle descent, crossing the Landwichbach stream twice, as it vanishes among the tall grasses.
Lower down, not far from a large farm, the Via Jacobi diverges from the main road, following a dirt path towards Dieterswil.
Section 3: A long descent through the Zurich countryside
Overview of the route’s challenges: The route is very hilly, but it’s all downhill.
The path winds gently through lush meadows, running through an ethereal grove before reaching Dieterwil. On the horizon, the majestic Alps of Eastern Switzerland emerge like a master’s painting, their peaks brushing the sky with silent dignity.
Dieterwil, a hamlet with authentic charm, appears like a gem nestled in the landscape. Traditional farms stand alongside meticulously renovated buildings, making one wonder if these transformed structures still retain the rustic soul of their agricultural past.
At the foot of the hamlet, the Via Jacobi merges with a nearly deserted country road, where passing vehicles are as rare as mirages in the desert.
This tranquil road contrasts with other regions, reminding you that even in the most remote corners of Switzerland, the bus network provides regular and reliable service—far from the gaps often encountered elsewhere, which we won’t name to avoid adding fuel to the fire. But pilgrims are familiar with those places.
The surrounding nature retains all its splendor as the road gently descends through the meadows, skimming the ridge above Wald. This descent is a true ballet of peaceful landscapes, where farms are scattered along the way, dotted with tranquil cows and curious goats.
A fork in the road offers the possibility of reaching Wald, located below. This detour is particularly welcome for hikers or pilgrims seeking a place to stay, as Wald is a town of 9,000 inhabitants, brimming with shops and various accommodation options.
The road resumes its tranquil course, offering admirable views of the Simmental cows, which dominate the panorama below with silent pride.
A rare grove, composed of majestic beeches and centuries-old maples, stands like a living rampart, adding a touch of elegance to this natural tableau.
The road continues its peaceful journey, linking patrician houses to more modest farms in a harmonious sequence where nature always exudes its charm. The walk here is serenely easy, inviting contemplation and relaxation.
Below, the slope becomes steeper as the road approaches the area known as Tänler, where the bus also makes a stop, adding a final touch of comfort to this rural journey.
At this stage’s turn, the route, as if to reinvent itself, leaves the asphalt behind to embark on a more authentic exploration of nature.
A path carves its way through thick grass, weaving almost imperceptibly towards a discreet grove.
This grove, enveloped in deep darkness, challenges the descent to reach the heights of Blattenbach.
At the foot of this marked descent, the path pauses, emerging onto a quiet road.
However, the route quickly reinvents itself again: it takes a concrete alley, plunging sharply between two hedges of carefully trimmed bushes.
The alley ends by joining the Blattenbach road, where it meets the Blattenbach stream itself, whose gentle murmur mingles with the wild grasses lining the banks. The region seems abundant in water, judging by the numerous streams and rivers meandering through this verdant landscape.
Blattenbach, this elegant village, is distinguished by its patrician homes from another era, aligned with quiet majesty along the road.
From the village, the road gently descends towards the surrounding countryside, dominated by green meadows dotted with picturesque farms and refined chalets. Along the way, an old grape press serves as a reminder of a now bygone viticultural past.
Further down, the asphalt gives way to a dirt road that winds gracefully toward the Toblibach stream.
At the bottom of this descent, the path enters a shaded grove where the stream, refreshingly cool, dances and cascades in a still-wild setting, beneath a now-unused bridge.
The path resumes its ascent, steep but brief, before reconnecting with the asphalt.
The road then descends to cross the hamlet of Tobeli, a true gem of beautiful homes flourishing amidst the surrounding lush greenery.
The road, winding with an almost meditative fluidity, embarks on a gentle but persistent descent, skimming the embankment overlooking a solitary railway line. The surrounding countryside unfolds in all its simplicity, where the meadows ripple like emerald waves, interspersed with discreet yet charming groves.
Majestic ashes, their branches outstretched like protective arms, line this path. In places, beeches and maples mingle with this scene of rare elegance, offering their varied foliage to the light breeze. Oaks and chestnut trees, though emblematic, are precious exceptions here, almost relics among the dominant trees.
As you progress, the road steepens, leading to the beautiful homes of Frohberg, whose refined facades are gracefully revealed along the route.
In this picturesque region, it is not uncommon for farmers, in a gesture of sincere generosity, to offer their fresh produce for sale in modest wooden huts, built with a functional simplicity that contrasts with the elegance of the neighboring residences.
From this point, your gaze can wander beyond the meadows and trees, losing itself in the vastness of a horizon where Lake Zurich shimmers with an almost unreal glow, dazzling with its silvery reflections under the sun.
The road, still ascending, continues to wind through the countryside, heading toward Chäseren, a region where agriculture and rural life are the true masters.
Then, a sudden change of scenery. The Via Jacobi leaves the main road to turn sharply onto a narrow path that plunges into thick grass and the dirt of the countryside. Here, the cultivated fields, mainly corn, stretch out like a sea of green gold in sync with the seasons.
However, the countryside quickly gives way to a dense grove, where the path, becoming steeper, weaves through the wild nature. The trees, packed together like sentinels, offer shaded protection to the road, which descends steeply into mysterious depths. .
At the bottom of this slope, the path emerges onto a busy road, Pilgerstegstrasse, whose name, evocative of pilgrim crossings, suggests that this place has long been a meeting and passage point for travelers in search of spirituality.
Section 4: In the Zurich countryside
Overview of the route’s challenges: The route presents occasional sharp inclines and descents.
The Via Jacobi ventures off the road, diving into a more intimate world where the railway marks the beginning of a less tranquil adventure.
It then tackles a steep flight of stairs—a real challenge for hikers—that descends toward the river, almost promising a reward for the effort.
Pilgersteg stands as a witness of the past, an imposing artisanal building with an eclectic museum that feels more like a flea market than a true museum.
Here, the Via Jacobi merges with the majestic Jona River, which meanders through the Zurich Oberland before winding its way to Rapperswil, now known as Rapperswil-Jona.
It’s crucial not to miss the subtle direction sign that invites you to leave the main road.
The route then offers a new challenge: a steep staircase nestled in the undergrowth. Though short, the climb is far from easy. .
Once at the top, the path flattens out, winding through green meadows bordered by cornfields.
The route continues lazily and leisurely toward the farms of Ober Flägswil. In this part of the Zurich countryside, the farms are marked by rustic simplicity, far from any unnecessary embellishments. A few more elegant houses are discreetly hidden among the farms, adding a touch of diversity to the rural landscape.
Shortly after, a smooth transition leads you onto a brief stretch of paved road towards Platten.
The scenery here is one of peaceful countryside, dotted with small hamlets that blend harmoniously into the surrounding nature, with the town of Rüti, the region’s nerve center, in the background.
Between dirt paths and paved sections, the Via Jacobi passes through Platten, an area dominated by agriculture.
Here, the cow is the undisputed star, and the landscape seems to honor it with an almost ritualistic fervor.
A bare road winds through the meadows, where gray cows graze quietly. Soon, it delves into a modest woodland, brushing past recent housing developments in Rüti. These modern constructions, despite their proximity to nature, clash with the rural setting, diverging from the spirit of traditional homes. The shadow of Zurich is not far away.
The road then crosses a small plain, where farmers have established their gardens on the outskirts of the village—an oasis of greenery on the edge of collective habitation.
Further on, a rocky path replaces the smooth pavement, gently climbing towards the forest.
At the top of the hill, a picnic area offers a panoramic view of the region. Equipped with a barbecue, wood, newspapers, and fire starters, it awaits visitors, though matches seem to be missing in a country where hospitality is a golden rule.
The path then plunges into the forest, crossing the Weierbächli, a stream that, like the Feienbÿchli further down, is often dry.
This forest, composed of majestic maples, sturdy beeches, and graceful ash trees, offers a shaded and graceful refuge—a true haven for walkers.
The path then descends in a winding manner for nearly a kilometer, with a slope that can be quite steep at times.
This dense and mysterious forest is meticulously maintained, and the relatively smooth trail invites a restful and pleasant stroll.
At the bottom, the path meets the Dachseggbächli, a stream whose bed of polished stones reveals the absence of water during dry weather.
Exiting this beautiful woodland, the path emerges in Weier, where the tranquility of the countryside reigns once again.
Weier reveals itself as a peaceful village, where sturdy houses, among which many chalets stand out, do not all seem to fit into the traditional agricultural register. The urban world, in search of serenity, willingly retreats here to enjoy the quiet of the countryside.
At the exit of Weier, a sign indicates that Rapperswil is about an hour and a half’s walk away.
The route then plunges into narrow hedges, weaving its way between houses before emerging onto a busy road. Greater Zurich, home to nearly a million inhabitants, is just a short distance away, sharply contrasting with the agricultural world you’ve encountered so far in the upper part of the canton.
Crossing this road, the Via Jacobi soon returns to a wide dirt path that opens up before you.
This broad and welcoming path first descends steeply through cornfields and bare meadows, offering a clear view of the surroundings.
It then continues to wind through the meadows, its course becoming gentler and more sinuous, flanked by small groves that, though distant, add a touch of greenery to the landscape.
Further on, the path brings you back to the farms and livestock in the rural expanse of Ober Moos.
At the base of the descent, asphalt becomes the norm, and the railway line also crosses, reminding you that, even in rural areas, modernity is never far away.
Section 5: At the end of Lake Zurich
Overview of the route’s challenges: The route is straightforward, with no significant difficulties.
The road then leads to a bridge that spans the railway, marking the transition from one world to another.
Crossing this threshold, the road gently descends toward Unter Moos, where sparse cornfields mingle with vast meadows, painting a picture of rural tranquility.
At the entrance to Unter Moos, a visibly outdated milk collection center stands as a relic of a bygone agricultural era, hinting that other realities now anchor themselves in this corner of the countryside.
Unter Moos, like the other villages traversed today, presents a familiar face: modest farms, modernized houses, and especially cozy chalets that add a touch of comfort to the rural environment. A small grocery store, housed in a simple shack, offers local products as well as provisions for passing hikers.
Beyond the village, the road, soon followed by a wide dirt path, enters the forest on flat terrain.
In the heart of the woods, the path crosses the Jona River once again, this time as it lazily meanders under the foliage before flowing into Lake Zurich, just a stone’s throw from Rapperswil.
Still in the forest, the path leads you to Moosbrugg.
Here, the Moos Bridge overlooks the bustling A15 highway, a lively artery in the eastern part of Greater Zurich. You are still more than an hour from the center of Rapperswil, and the route now takes you into the canton of St. Gallen.
The large trail, now a long walk in the shade of tall deciduous trees, stretches effortlessly for a good kilometer.
It is pleasant and relatively smooth, alternating between woodland and short meadows. Along the way, you’ll discover a picnic area equipped with a barbecue, nestled in the shade of majestic trees.
The walk through the woods continues along a fitness trail, popular with weekend athletes.
At the edge of the forest, the trail meets a large wood-processing site in a spacious clearing—a true woodworking school situated below the path.
This area is known as Gruenau Forsthof.
Here, you’ll find a large, well-appointed picnic area, a true haven of rest where the gentle murmur of the Jona River can be felt as you cross it once again, experiencing a sense of serenity and communion with nature.
From the nearby forestry operation, a paved road winds through a vast clearing, offering a peaceful and obstacle-free route—a refuge of calm in a bustling world.
Further on, the road delicately weaves through the undergrowth, like a silver thread entangled in a green setting.
It then leads to the large Usserwald Park, a starting point for walking or cycling in this vast forest, the true lungs of Rapperswil, so popular on sunny weekends, where laughter and birdsong mix.
Exiting this green haven, the route crosses the railway and heads toward the quiet Schafweid neighborhood on the outskirts of the city. .
Here, it skillfully twists to cross the Jona River one last time, adding a touch of beauty and serenity to this leg of the journey.
After leaving the river, the Via Jacobi runs through a neighborhood of modern houses with clean lines, reflecting the evident prosperity of Rapperswil, where comfort and refinement seem to be the norm.
Exiting this upscale neighborhood, the road passes under the railway again and follows a stream, delving into a semi-rural countryside, removed from urban bustle.
Further on, you’ll pass the Giegenegg power plant, adorned with a small bell tower that gives it an almost ecclesiastical dignity—a visual curiosity in this industrial landscape.
At this point, you are still half an hour from the station, which borders Lake Zurich, offering a picturesque view of its sparkling waters.
The route then takes a small road along some buildings, alternating between modern rental blocks and small old villas, creating a charming contrast between past and present.
This is not yet the dense city; you are in Bildau, an open and pleasant area where communal gardens and grassy spaces bring a welcome freshness to the urban environment.
The route continues to wind through the northern part of the city, a still sparsely populated area where small villas blend with greenery, offering a very different face of Rapperswil compared to the southern part, which is more elegant and dotted with numerous marinas.
Gradually, the Via Jacobi approaches the city center, passing through the Hanfländer primary school park, a peaceful place where greenery intertwines with school architecture.
In this quiet neighborhood, some old shingled houses still survive among modern constructions, bearing witness to the old charm that resists the rise of novelty.
Further on, the route takes the street named Gemüsebrücke, an evocative name meaning « Vegetable Bridge, » which runs over the railway line connecting Rapperswil to Zurich.
From this point, you enter the city center, where modern and luxurious buildings dominate the landscape, interspersed with shops and refined boutiques, signs of contemporary prosperity.
All that remains is to follow the picturesque streets of old Rapperswil to reach the historic heart of the city, where history reveals itself at every corner.
For an in-depth visit to Rapperswil and its magnificent historic center, please refer to the parallel stage on the other Via Jacobi 4, also known as the Rohrschach Route.
Accomodation on Via Jacobi
- Gibswilerstube, Tösstal str5asse 466, Gibswil; 055 245 22 42; Hotel, dinner, breakfast
- Pilgerherberge, Seestrasse 5, Rapperswil/Jona; 079 886 73 37; Gîte, cuisine
- Jugendherberge, Hessenhoferweg 10, Rapperswil/Jona; 055 210 99 27; Youth hostel, dinner, breakfast
- Iten Erika, Jonaportsrasse 23, Rapperswil/Jona; 055 212 23 05/079 227 38 23; Guestroom, breakfast
- Gasthof Zum Zimmermann, St Gallerstrasse 105, Rapperswil/Jona; 055 225 37 37; Hotel, dinner, breakfast
- Gasthof Kreuz, St Gallerstrasse 30, Rapperswil/Jona; 055 225 53 53; Hotel, dinner, breakfast
- Gasthaus Krone Kemptraten, Rütistrasse 6, Rapperswil/Jona; 055 210 90 00; Hotel, dinner, breakfast
- Jakob Hôtel, Hauptplatz 11, Rapperswil/Jona; 055 220 00 50; Hotel***, dinner, breakfast
- Best Western Hotel Speer, Bahnofstrasse 5, Rapperswil/Jona; 055 220 89 00; Hotel***, breakfast
- Hôtel Hirschen, Fischmarktplatz 7, Rapperswil/Jona; 055 220 61 80; Hotel****, breakfast
There are really few places to stop along the way, except in Wald or Rüti, but these are off the route. For these addresses, look them up online. Fortunately, there is a hotel in Gibswil, but it’s at the start of the route. There are restaurants (not always open) and small shacks acting as grocery stores along the way. At the end of the stage, you will arrive in the city, where all shops will be available. Despite the ease, it is always wise to reserve for safety.