A small loop from St. Meinrad on the Etzel
A leisurely loop on the heights: 6.4 kilometres from St. Meinrad at 948 metres, with a mere 208 metres of ascent and an elevation range of 185 metres. Two hours without any climb worth mentioning; the maximum gradient is 13 per cent.
The route from above
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Elevation profile
Route description
The starting point is St. Meinrad on the pass between Lake Zurich and the Sihltal, where the Gasthaus St. Meinrad stands right at the start. The path leads over the Hof and reaches the highest point of the loop at kilometre 2.0 at 1,038 metres.
Via the Fuchsloch the route descends and crosses the Schwändibach at kilometre 4.6. The lowest point lies at 853 metres.
On the last section the path climbs gently once more; the steepest section is 13 per cent at kilometre 5.9. After crossing the Giessenbach the loop closes back at the starting point.
There are no climbs worth mentioning, and technically the walk makes no demands. It crosses the municipal boundary from Einsiedeln into Altendorf and can be walked from May to October. Thanks to its even profile it suits families too.
Grading
Good to know
Getting there / public transport
Travel to the Etzelpass at St. Meinrad, reachable from Pfäffikon SZ or Einsiedeln. Current timetable at sbb.ch.
Food and drink
Gasthaus St. Meinrad at the start and finish, the only refreshment stop recorded on the loop.
Best time of year
Recommended: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct