Hoch-Ybrig
Around twenty minutes from Einsiedeln lies the Hoch-Ybrig, a mountain and holiday resort stretching from the Weglosen valley station at 1,035 metres to the Druesberg at 2,282 metres. In summer it is a hiking area with panoramic trails, in winter a large ski resort with around 50 kilometres of pistes.
Summer in the Hoch-Ybrig
Since summer 2025 a new tri-cable gondola has carried visitors from Weglosen up to Seebli at 1,460 metres. From there chairlifts run to the Spirstock at 1,771 metres and the Sternen at 1,856 metres. The high-level path between the two summits is one of the finest viewpoint walks in the region, looking out over Lake Sihl, the Mythen and the Glärnisch.
For an adrenaline rush there is the Sternensauser, at 2.3 kilometres one of the longest zip lines in Europe. For children there are playgrounds and adventure trails.
The high-level path between Spirstock and Sternen can be walked in either direction and is well marked. There are climbs but no exposed sections, so it is manageable for children used to walking. To shorten the loop, take one of the chairlifts for the way back. Along the way are alpine dairies where you can stop for refreshments, and the view opens out by turns down to Lake Sihl and across to the peaks of the Glarus Alps.
Hiking around the Druesberg and Forstberg
Beyond the top stations a wide alpine landscape opens up. Paths lead to the Druesberg hut, across the pastures towards the Forstberg and on into the quiet valleys behind the ridge. The Druesberg itself, at 2,282 metres, is the highest point in the area and a rewarding objective for experienced mountain walkers.
If you prefer it quieter, leave the main paths after a short while. From Seebli you can walk loops that need no further lift and lead back down to the valley across the pastures. The alpine dairies along the way are part of the experience and usually serve food in summer.
Winter in the Hoch-Ybrig
The ski resort has pistes for every level, sledging runs and winter walking trails. Being close to Zurich, it gets busy on fine weekends, so an early start pays off.
For families the resort has stayed manageable: the pistes mostly run down to the same valley stations, so it is hard to lose one another. Non-skiers will find groomed winter walking trails with views of Lake Sihl and a wide, open landscape for snowshoeing.
The Ybrig valley
The Hoch-Ybrig lies above the two municipalities of Unteriberg and Oberiberg, which together form the Ybrig valley. It is a farming landscape of alpine dairies, scattered settlements and plenty of forest that has much to offer beyond the cable cars.
The River Sihl rises in this valley and flows from here into Lake Sihl and on towards Zurich. Along its course an adventure trail runs in several stages from the source streams all the way to the city; the first sections begin right in Unteriberg.
Tip: A swim in Lake Sihl in the morning and a high-level walk in the Hoch-Ybrig in the afternoon add up to a perfect summer day.
Getting there
By car via Einsiedeln to Unteriberg and Weglosen. By public transport, train to Einsiedeln, then bus to Weglosen. Large car parks at the valley station.
From Zurich the area can be reached in a little over an hour and a half, which makes it a popular day trip. To avoid queues at the valley station, arrive early on fine days or come on a weekday.
Public transport: Train to Einsiedeln, bus to Weglosen, tri-cable gondola to Seebli.
