Hiking holidays: Via Jacobi Rorschach - Geneva

Luggage drop-off in Rorschach. As a medieval traffic hub and lake port of St. Gallen, Rorschach is mentioned as a pilgrimage station around the year 1300. Highlights at the end of today's hike are the old town of St. Gallen (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and a visit of the Stift Library in St. Gallen.

By train to Herisau. Herisau, oldest Appenzell parish seat has been known since 907. The path leads past the former hostel, zum Goldenen Sternen, then on through the varied hilly landscape of Appenzell and Toggenburg to Wattwil. By bus to the neighbouring village Liechtensteig, where you will spend the night.

By bus back to Wattwil. Between Wattwil and Rapperswil, the landscape is dotted with individual farms and marked by gently rolling hills and various-sized woodland areas. Some beautiful sunken paths turn the hike into a special experience.

The hike leads over the wooden footbridge from Rapperswil to Hurden built in 2001 and then over the Etzelpass to Einsiedeln. Particularly impressive views of the Zürichsee on this trail to Switzerland’s most important place of pilgrimage.

The trail over Haggenegg leads through the beautiful high valley of Alp towards the two Mythen peaks. The stately Au Convent and panoramic views of the Glarner Alps and the valley basin of Schwyz and Brunnen are feasts for the eyes.

This section includes a boat trip from Brunnen to Treib, the ancient refuge harbour at the point where cantons Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden meet. The chapels along the way and the Winkelried memorial in Stans are worth seeing.

Following the first ascent after Stans, impressive views open up to Stanser Boden, the Lake Lucerne and the Innerschweiz mountain peaks. Highpoint at the end of the section is the hermitage of Niklaus von Flüe and the Ranft chapels. In the end you reach the shores of Lake Sarnen with its emerald blue waters.

Flüeli affords outstanding views. The varied route follows the shores of Lake Sarnen and Lake Lungern. From Lungern church you hike along the Brünigweg which, as a pilgrimage pfennig (coin) shows, was once a pilgrims’ path.

Optional train ride down to Brienz. The trail leads along sunny slopes above the Lake Brienz, allowing you to experience an exceptionally lovely landscape. In constant ups and downs you approach Interlaken, the outdoor centre of the Swiss Alps.

The section leads alongside the River Aare to the Weissenau nature reserve on the Lake Thun. From Neuhaus it continues through woodland, often with clear views of the lake and the Bernese Alps. The Beatushöhlen (caves), former place of pilgrimage of St. Beatus are particularly impressive. From Merligen by boat to Spiez.

In peaceful countryside, with the Stockhorn mountain chain in the background, past several lakes and 2 of the «1'000-year-old churches on Lake Thun»: The oldest, built by King Rudolf II of Burgundy, is in Einigen. Romanesque church in Amsoldingen with an impressive crypt by the same builder.

The Rüeggisberg Monastery ruins and Wahlern Church, seen from afar enthroned on a sandstone ridge, are cultural highlights on the route to Schwarzenburg. The hike is also enhanced by the unspoiled pre-Alpine landscape.

The trail leads along the Sensegraben, popular recreational area and nature reserve. After the Sodbachbrücke bridge, numerous religious symbols along the wayside are a clear indication that you’ve crossed the border into the Catholic canton of Fribourg.

The city of Fribourg with its numerous historic references to St James and the St James pilgrims would be worth the journey on its own. The pilgrims’ path leads over the St Apolline bridge and through the varied landscape of the Glâne to Romont.

The stage of the Via Jacobi that links Romont to Moudon has some beautiful viewpoints and no particular difficulties. Both little towns share the fact of having once belonged to the Duke of Savoy.

Along the River Broye to Bressonnaz an area with bridges crossing both the Broye and the Carrouge rivers. The trail to Vucherens has open views of the Freiburger Alps and the forested Jorat region.

In Lausanne, the ViaJacobi leads from the Notre Dame Cathedral down the Escaliers du Marché. In Vidy it crosses an idyllic park with Roman ruins and then follows the popular lakeside promenade along Lac Léman to Morges.

Caesar founded Nyon, intellectuals gathered in the salon of Madame de Staël in Coppet and the rich and famous still love Lac Léman. As a pilgrim, you can reflect on all this or simply enjoy the inspiring landscape.

This hike leads through villages with a French ambiance to cosmopolitan Genève. Highlight and end point is the impressive St. Pierre Cathedral. One magnificent stained glass window depicts St James wearing a purple cloak trimmed with ermine. After arrival in Geneva individual departure.