Sihl ErlebnisWeg – 7 stages from the source to Zurich
- 31:25 h
- 106.74 km
- 2,740 m
- 3,270 m
- 405 m
- 1,834 m
- 1,429 m
- Start: Unteriberg SZ
- Destination: Platzspitzpark, Zurich
The Sihl ErlebnisWeg connects the Schwyz Prealps with the city of Zurich and follows the course of the Sihl from its source in the Chrälöch below the Höch Hund to the mouth in Platzspitzpark. Over around 107 kilometers, the route leads through varied landscapes: alpine meadows, cultural land, nationally significant moor areas such as Schwantenau or Roblosen, the BLN area “Glacial Landscape Lorze – Sihl with Höhronen chain and Schwantenau” as well as the Sihlwald Nature Experience Park. Cultural highlights like the Einsiedeln Monastery are also on the way. The Sihl ErlebnisWeg is divided into seven stages, each 10 to 20 kilometers long and can be individually walked thanks to good public transport connections. Ambitious hikers also have the option to plan the entire route as a multi-day long-distance hike. Thus, the route offers a unique combination of nature experience, culture, and regional diversity from the Prealps to the major city of Zurich.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Directions
The Sihl ErlebnisWeg starts in Unteriberg and leads over alpine meadows to the Sihl’s source area. From Studen, it goes through moorlands to the Sihlsee and to Willerzell. Over scenic heights and the Devil’s Bridge, it reaches Einsiedeln and further the Schwantenau to Schindellegi. Afterwards, the route leads over Rossberg and along the Sihl to Sihlbrugg. In the Sihlwald Nature Experience Park, the path leads to Langnau am Albis, before the final stage through the city of Zurich to Platzspitzpark and the mouth of the Sihl into the Limmat.
Tour information
Cultural Interesting
Nature Highlight
Stop at an Inn
Equipment
- Hiking boots with good grip for mountain hiking trails (T2–T3), also suitable for wet meadow and moor sections.
- Weather-appropriate clothing in layers, including rain and sun protection.
- Hiking poles for steeper passages such as the descent over the Ofenplangg.
- Drinks and snacks, as only limited refreshment options are available along the way.
- Map or GPS device, especially for longer stages and less frequented sections.
- Camera or binoculars for panoramas, moorlands, and wildlife observations.
Directions & Parking facilities
Private vehicle: Parking is available for arrival by car in Unteriberg as well as in the larger stage locations such as Einsiedeln or Zurich. However, for the entire route, travel by public transport is recommended, as the start and end points are far apart.
Public transport: The Sihl ErlebnisWeg is ideally accessible by public transport. The starting point in Unteriberg can be reached from Einsiedeln by post bus (line 555). The destination is located in Platzspitzpark Zurich directly at the main train station with numerous train connections in all directions. The stage locations are also continuously accessible by bus or train, so the route can be comfortably walked in stages. Overnight guests also benefit from the Einsiedeln–Ybrig public transport card, which allows free travel in the regional zones.
Author
Stefan Bisig
Organization
Einsiedeln-Ybrig-Zürichsee
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
The Sihl ErlebnisWeg can be perfectly explored in stages thanks to good public transport connections. Especially recommended are stops at cultural-historical sites such as the Einsiedeln Monastery or in the Sihlwald Nature Experience Park, where exciting insights into natural and cultural landscapes are offered. Those who want to hike the entire route should plan several days and combine the stages with regional overnight stays – this allows time to consciously experience the diversity of the region from the Schwyz Prealps to the metropolis of Zurich.
Safety guidelines
- The Sihl ErlebnisWeg runs on marked hiking trails (mainly T2–T3, partly T3+). Particularly on the descent over the Ofenplangg, surefootedness is required.
- In rain or wet conditions, meadow and forest paths can be slippery, especially in moor areas and on steeper sections.
- Some sections lead over roads or hard surfaces – caution in traffic.
- Weather changes in the Prealps are common; good planning and appropriate equipment are important.
- In moor and protected areas it is mandatory to stay on the signposted paths to protect flora and fauna.
- In urban sections (Zurich, Sihlpost, main train station) consideration for bicycle traffic and pedestrians is necessary.
Nearby
