Canton Schwyz

Some interesting tidbits

. . . Worth Exploring

Einsiedeln

The small town of Einsiedeln is close to Zürich city, nestled up in the foothills southwest of Lake Zürich. At 882 metres above sea level, it is a good place to get out of the city and into the pretty alpine region of Mythen. The town itself has several beautifully crafted Baroque buildings giving it a very elegant feel.

When first arriving in the town centre all eyes are drawn to the majestic baroque Benedictine monastery and the sweeping square in front of it.

This has been our go-to place when we want to get away from it all. We come here for walks in the snow in winter, or to find a quiet place for a picnic in the warmer months.

What to see

• The flamboyantly designed 18th Century Monastery.
• Lookout points from the hills behind the Monastery. A couple that I have found to be stunning in both summer and winter are:
  • St Benediktweg – a forest walk to views over lake Sihl and the mountains
  • Vogelherd lookout point – close to Einsiedeln
• In December the large Christmas market spreads out in front of the monastery’s Klosterplatz (Kloster square), complete with around 120 stalls, a large Christmas tree and plenty of Christmas lights. Thanks to the high altitude – there is often snow, giving the small town a Winter Wonderland feel about it.
• The monks from Einsiedeln Abbey celebrate the consecration of the Chapel of Mercy with services and a light procession every year on September 13th and 14th. Lots of candles are lit, covering the facades of the monastery church, the arcades, the fountain and private houses on the large square in front of the monastery.

See the official tourism website for more information on the above sights.

Watersports in Summer

Lake Sihl

Sihlsee is a reservoir around the back of Einsiedeln – this large, long lake is a quietly beautiful spot. From here you can try out various water sports, swim and fish.

Swimming and Watersports

The bathing area on Lake Sihl has various events when the weather is nice. For more information go to the Sihlseebadi, Roblosen website.

Badi opening times: June to mid-August. Opens earlier (May) or closes later (September) depending on weather.
The bathing area is closed during bad weather days (rainy or too cold).

Watersports Equipment Rental

Sihlseefisch.ch – in the town of Willerzell – offers rental of:

• SUP boards with life vests for any level
• Fishing equipment and boats
• Kayaks
• Snowshoeing
• Ice-fishing equipment

Winter sport activities and images – Hochy Brig Region

When driving over the lake’s Steinbach Viaduct bridge you will come to a region well-known for skiing. This whole region is a winter wonderland.

Hoch-Ybrig, Oberiberg and the Ibergeregg downhill ski resorts are spread out south of the large Sihl reservoir. This is a great region for families as well as beginners and advanced skiers.

The largest resort, Hoch Ybrig has over 50km of runs – ranging from blue to black, as well as some good winter walking tracks – including one around a large frozen lake.

The smaller ski area of Oberiberg situated between lake Sihl and the Hoch-Ybrig ski lift has a good range of beginner and intermediate slopes and places to sled.

The small village of Unteriberg is a great hidden gem with cross-country skiing tracks and the small Sitysee lake for ice skating – if it is cold enough. (This village is found about 4 mins drive before the Hochy Brig cable car).

A link to the region’s panorama winter map is here.

Getting There from Zürich Central Train Station. . .

From	By Public Transport	By Car (outside rush hour)
Einsiedeln	45 mins – 1 hr, chg at Wädenswil	approx. 40 mins, 40 km
Hochy-Brig (valley cable care station Weglosen)	1 hr 24 mins, chg at Wädenswil (train) & Einsiedeln (bus)	approx. 1 hr