E1 in Switzerland

Route

From Konstanz the trail leads over the Seerücken ridge and the Thurtal over Switzerland’s longest wooden footbridge from Rapperswil to Hurden and across the Etzel Pass to Einsiedeln.

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.

The ascent towards the Fronalpstock is rough, but the panoramic view is extensive. Along the lakeside path and the Axenstrasse: first a stroll in the style of the Riviera, then along the Axen cliffs. The Tell’s Chapel and the Tellsplatte with hourly chimes make for interesting stops along the way. Finally, a magnificent view of Lake Lucerne and, with a bit of luck, a romantic sunset over the Uri alps.

Follow the footsteps of the muleteers from Andermatt to the Gotthard Pass on the centuries-old north-south axis. The route along the Reuss through the romantic Urseren Valley to Hospental is mostly flat. From there, climb the historic mule trail to Switzerland’s most important Alpine pass, accompanied by the burbling Gotthard-Reuss River.

The mid-section of the Strada alta is thought to be the easiest and most magnificent. At Biasca the valley opens out into a wide long plain: the Riviera

The trail leads over a thickly forested mountain crest. Exceptional views of Lugano and the lake from the San Bernardo Chapel. The hike from Monte San Salvatore to Vico Morcote is a classic for the whole family. Always slightly downhill, woodlands alternating with well-kept villages, pretty grotti and scenic views.

Starting Point

German border in Konstanz

End Point

Morcote

Which cities and towns does the E-path pass through

Konstanz (D) / Kreuzlingen (CH), Weinfelden, Rapperswil, Einsiedeln, Brunnen, Flüelen, Attinghausen, Göschenen, Bellinzona, Lugano, Morcote

Length

About 207 km

Ground path of the E-path

Via Jacobi, Weg der Schweiz, Via Gottardo, Trans Swiss Trail

Responsible organisations

Schweizer Wanderwege

Stiftung SchweizMobil

Publications

There is no publication for E1 in Switzerland as a whole. But SchweizMobil has several maps that cover the route.

schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route4

schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route99

schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route7

schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/route2

Maps

SchweizMobil (see above)

Official map showing all hiking trails (swisstopo)

Marking system

Switzerland has three types of hiking trails which are marked differently:

Crossing other E-paths

Nowhere

Practical

Accommodation

There are many ways to accommodate, e.g. Wanderhotels

Food

You can buy food in a supermarket or visit a bistro, café or restaurant. Alternatively, there are fireplaces along the way.

Travel

Almost all stops on the E1 are connected to public transport. This is the official website of Swiss federal railways: SBB CFF FFS

Here you can plan your hike: Plan’n’hike

Gear

What is always needed: shoes suitable for the hike, rain and sun protection, warm clothing and a snack.

schweizer-wanderwege.ch/de/wandern/vorbereiten/ausruestung

Links

Schweizer Wanderwege

schweizer-wanderwege.ch/de/ueber-uns/verband/die-kantonalen-wanderweg-organisationen

SwitzerlandMobility

MySwitzerland

SAC