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Intro

The lakeside path leads along some of the loveliest Ostschweiz shoreline – and plenty of waterfowl can be observed at the Wurmsbach and Busskirch nature reserves. Several public bathing and sport areas are also discovered underway.

Description

There are virtually no climbs along this sixth stage. From Schmerikon, the path follows the shoreline, staying within the Canton of St. Gallen at all times. On the other side, you’ll see the trains plying between Rapperswil and Uznach. The route takes you beneath a Lourdes grotto, although it’s hard to get to on foot.

Swans and ducks enjoy the sun amongst the reed beds, one of the most unspoilt lakeside landscapes in Eastern Switzerland, and in the meadows in this narrow strip of land on the shore. Storks can also be spotted hunting for a meal. After passing a boatyard and harbour, you get to the Early Gothic chapel of St. Meinrad in Rapperswil-Jona. Believed to date from the 13th century, it sits on a small headland. Still crossing open terrain with the glittering water ahead of you, you reach the architecturally stunning Wurmsbach Abbey, founded in the 12th century. The abbey is home to an active community of around ten Cistercian nuns who preserve abbey life and hold services. Its church contains elaborate frescos and is well worth a visit. Further inland, on the other side of the railway line and road, lies the Enea Tree Museum, where Enzo Enea has collected some 3,000 rare and valuable trees.

The route is now coming up to the first few houses in Jona. It passes sports fields, fruit fields, the campsite at the bathing area and finally the River Jona, before rejoining the lake. Your eye is bound to be caught by the majestic Rapperswil Castle, which towers over the town from its hillside location.

Passing detached houses and a sports complex with swimming pool, you come to the famous Rapperswil kids’ zoo, although you will leave this behind on your right.

Following a shaded path to the university of applied sciences and across its campus, the route then takes you underneath the railway line and into the centre of Rapperswil. On your left, you will be able to spot the longest wooden footbridge in Europe, which allows pedestrians to cross from Rapperswil to Pfäffikon via Hurden avoiding the main road. The bridge forms part of the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela via Einsiedeln.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Schmerikon
Destination
Rapperswil SG
Direction
One way
Altitude (meter above sea level)
400 m
Ascent
70 m
Descent
70 m
Distance
11 km
Duration
2 h 45 min
Duration back
2 h 40 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Easy
Season
All year
Theme
Along Water
More information https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe84...

Route

Zürichsee-Rundweg

Zürich, Bürkliplatz - Zürich, Bürkliplatz
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 6/10

Distance

11 km

Duration

2 h 45 min

Ascent

70 m

Travel information: Rapperswil-Jona

  • Rapperswil-Jona Altstadtfürhung DE/EN

    When you think of Rapperswil, the castle usually comes to mind. However, the medieval town on Lake... from CHF 20
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    valid: 05.04.2025 - 25.10.2025

    Learn more about Altstadtfürhung DE/EN
  • Rapperswil-Jona Thai boat Zürichsee from Rapperswil

    You take a boat from Hensa departing Rapperswil across the Zürichsee. During the ride, you enjoy... from CHF 94
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    valid: 17.04.2025 - 18.09.2025

    Learn more about Thai boat Zürichsee from Rapperswil
  • Rapperswil-Jona Rapperswil public guided tour of the old town

    From April to October, a public guided tour of the old town takes place every Saturday in... from CHF 20
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    valid: 05.04.2025 - 25.10.2025

    Learn more about Rapperswil public guided tour of the old town
  • Rapperswil-Jona "Illuminati" Escape Game Rapperswil

    This escape game takes you through the old town of Rapperswil. Together you will follow the trail of... from CHF 41
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    valid: 15.03.2025 - 12.03.2026

    Learn more about "Illuminati" Escape Game Rapperswil
  • Rapperswil-Jona Fajita Ship Zurich Lake from Rapperswil

    You take a ship from Hensa leaving Rapperswil across the Zurich Lake. During the ride, you enjoy a... from CHF 75
    Offer details


    valid: 26.06.2025 - 11.09.2025

    Learn more about Fajita Ship Zurich Lake from Rapperswil
  • Rapperswil-Jona Lake Zurich cruise from Rapperswil

    Enjoy a round trip on Lake Zurich from Rapperswil via Pfäffikon, the island of Ufenau to Wädenswil.... from CHF 18.40
    Offer details


    valid: 15.03.2025 - 14.05.2025

    Learn more about Lake Zurich cruise from Rapperswil
  • Rapperswil-Jona "The Money Heist" Escape Game in Rapperswil

    This outdoor crime game lets you and your team become criminals who team up with "The Professor" to... from CHF 35
    Offer details


    valid: 15.03.2025 - 12.03.2026

    Learn more about "The Money Heist" Escape Game in Rapperswil
  • Rapperswil-Jona Raclette Ship Zurich Lake from Rapperswil

    You take a ship from Hensa departing Rapperswil across Lake Zurich. During the ride, you enjoy a... from CHF 69
    Offer details


    valid: 26.11.2025 - 10.12.2025

    Learn more about Raclette Ship Zurich Lake from Rapperswil
  • Rapperswil-Jona Ticket Ufenau Shuttle from Rapperswil

    Take the boat from Rapperswil to Ufenau Island and back. With the ZVV 24-hour ticket, you can stay... from CHF 9.20
    Offer details


    valid: 06.04.2025 - 14.05.2025

    Learn more about Ticket Ufenau Shuttle from Rapperswil
  • Rapperswil-Jona Fondue Chinoise Ship Zurich Lake from Rapperswil

    From Rapperswil, you take a ship from Hensa across Lake Zurich. During the ride, you enjoy a Fondue... from CHF 96
    Offer details


    valid: 07.11.2025 - 20.02.2026

    Learn more about Fondue Chinoise Ship Zurich Lake from Rapperswil