Enjoy this breathtaking and very diverse hike from Schindellegi to Etzel, with panoramic views over the Zurich Lake, Lake Sihl and the alpine foothills.

Pictures and text by Marc Gottwald

Hike from Schindellegi to Etzel: The most important in a nutshell

• – Almost a non-stop panorama view over lake Zurich, the Hoch-Ybrig mountain area and the Mythen
• – The Etzel hike is an insider tip par excellence
• – Free parking possibilities at the weekend near the church Schindellegi
• – Suitable as a longer family hike
• – Technically easy-medium, conditionally medium, since the hike goes there and back 4 hours.
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The Hike above the Zurich Lake

Let’s be honest. There is a lot to do in the region around Zurich. For example, an enjoyable boat trip on the lake.

But have you ever done an incredibly beautiful panoramic hike above Lake Zurich? 

We can offer you that!

Even better: We bring you to a wonderful view point over the Sihlsee, the Hoch-Ybrig mountains with the Mythen and a view of the Alps in addition.

Why waiting? Let’s go!

Starting in Schindellegi

After all our promises you start highly motivated the hike in Schindellegi near the church. You can park there for free on weekends, otherwise there would be a multi-storey car park in Migros or even better: you can get there by public transport. The journey from Zurich main station is very uncomplicated.

You follow the hiking path to Klein Etzel and stroll comfortably through Schindellegi. After 10 minutes, you have the first time a beautiful and almost uninterrupted view.

It is always worth taking a little break to enjoy this astonishing panoramic view. Among other things, this beautiful house with a public bench invites you to relax and enjoy.

If you are lucky you will see a unique interplay between landscape and weather.

Unobstructed view on the Alpine foothills and Lake Sihl

After continuing the hike in direction to Etzel you can see the big and small myths for the first time. Switzerland is especially proud of these mountains.

It is important that you take the cycle path now if you still want a view on the Zürichsee. Otherwise, continue along the hiking trail and enjoy the view on the Sihlsee and the mountain panorama. The hiking trail and the cycle path come together again after 15 minutes. What a wonderful view you have.

By the way: In the meantime, this spectacular picture has been taken.

The Etzel – Zurich’s mountain with an exciting history

Finally, you reached your goal! The restaurant at almost 1100 meters with an incredible view. You did it, congratulations! Look at the incredible view over Lake Zurich and Rapperswil. Sometimes pictures say more than 1000 words.

And the history of this mountain is really interesting.

In fact, there was once a 50 meter high lookout tower on the mountain, but the tower fell apart due to a storm. 

All in all, the mountain is already more than 100 years a hiking destination. According to geological researchers, the mountain itself was formed around 1.5 million years ago.

By the way: The restaurant Etzel is open every day except Tuesday and has a terrace with an beautiful view on the foothills of the Alps and Lake Sihl. The restaurant also has a playground for kids.

Since we parked our car in Schindellegi, we walk are heading back there. Otherwise there are possibilities to hike further to the Sihlsee, to Feuisberg or to Pfäffikon.

Conclusion hike to Etzel mountain

The hike from Schindellegi to the Etzel is one of the most beautiful panoramic hikes above Lake Zurich and full of highlights. A big plus is the further view over the Sihlsee, the small and big Mythen and the Swiss Alps.