Get Ready for SpringFind Walks & Hikes
4
moderate to challenging
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 3 star hotels and small B&Bs/guesthouses
Meals
  • 20 Breakfasts

21 Days£4130GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: VJS

Trip highlights

  • Walking in the footsteps of pilgrims past from Lake Constance to Lake Geneva
  • Soaking up the history of the trail
  • Enjoying the scenic beauty of numerous villages, lakes and mountains
  • Following the lake shore between Lausanne and Geneva, through vineyards and villages
  • Staying in warm, comfortable family-run accommodation and delighting in their friendly hospitality

Traverse the centuries of time and the borders of Europe on the medieval pilgrim trail of Compostela. In the 9th century, the tomb of the apostle St James was unearthed in Compostela and the site became the focus of a pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain. Along with the French Way in Spain and the Via Podiensis in France, the Via Jacobi of the European Jakobsweg (Way of St James) has been an important spiritual tradition in Europe for centuries. Leading along the Alps fringe from the Bodensee (Lake Constance) on the German border to Geneva on the French border – right across Switzerland, the Via Jacobi is lined with churches, monasteries and chapels. Stunning scenery including beautiful Swiss lakes, the high peaks of the Central Swiss Alps and the Bernese Oberland, the forests of Jorat in Fribourg, the snow covered peaks of the Mont Blanc region and sparkling Lake Geneva will accompany you as you make your way to the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. Staying in charming hotels and sampling local delicacies, you'll experience the best the trail has to offer. Whether walking for spiritual reasons or to simply enjoy the journey, the diverse cultural and scenic Swiss landscapes of the historic Via Jacobi offer a fabulous walking experience.

Countries:

Switzerland

Starting Point:

Rorschach

Finishing Point:

Geneva

Itinerary

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Make your own way to Rorschach and the joining hotel. Nestled between the Appenzeller hills and the lake, Rorschach is a picturesque harbour town. Since 947 it has held local markets and in the Middle Ages was an important trading centre. Its prosperity can still be seen today, in the many stately homes and in its elegant silo "Kornhaus", the emblem of Rorschach. It was first mentioned as a pilgrimage station around the year 1300.

Meals:  Nil

After breakfast you will set out from Rorschach, the lake port town of the St Gallen canton, and walk to St Gallen town. Visit the Stift Library in St Gallen (ticket included, one of the oldest and most beautiful libraries in the world, and the bridge landscape in Bruggen is a highlight. Details: 16km/10mi, +505m/1656ft -230m-/754ft

Meals:  B

This morning, catch the train to Herisau where you continue your walk. Today's path initially leads past the former hostel, zum Goldenen Sternen, then on through the varied hilly landscape of Appenzell and Toggenburg to Wattwil. From here you take the local bus (payable locally) to the neighbouring village Liechtensteig, where you will spend the night. Details: 24km/14.9mi, +805m/2641ft, -1125m/-3690ft

Meals:  B

Return by bus to Wattwil to continue walking. Between Wattwil and Rapperswil the landscape is dotted with farms and marked by gently rolling hills and woodlands. Some beautiful sunken paths make the walk a special experience. Picturesque Rapperswil is located on the Obersee, the smaller of the two parts of Lake Zürich. Details: 28km/17.3mi, +515m/1689ft, -865m/-2837ft

Meals:  B

The trail leads you over the wooden footbridge from Rapperswil to Hurden, built in 2001, and then over the Etzelpass (950m) to Einsiedeln. There are particularly impressive views of the Zürichsee (Lake Zurich) on this trail, as you head towards the abbey, Switzerland’s most important place of pilgrimage. Details: 17km/10.5mi, +665m/2181ft, -190m/-623ft

Meals:  B

The trail over Haggenegg will lead you through the beautiful high valley of Alp, towards the two Mythen peaks (Grosser and Kleiner). The stately Au Convent and panoramic views of the Glarner Alps and the valley basin of Schwyz and Brunnen are feasts for the eyes. Overnight in Brunnen, on the eastern shores of Lake Lucerne. Details: 25km/15.5mi, +575m/1886ft, -1020m/3346ft

Meals:  B

This morning you travel by boat (included) from Brunnen to Treib, the ancient refuge harbour at the point where the cantons Uri, Schwyz and Nidwalden meet. The chapels along today's walk and the Winkelried memorial in Stans are worth seeing. Details: 20km/12.4mi, +650m/2132ft, -670m/2198ft

Meals:  B

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 your day is the hermitage of Niklaus von Flüe and the Ranft chapels. Details: 20km/12.4mi, +690m/2263ft, -630m/-2066ft

Meals:  B

Flüeli affords outstanding views. Today's varied route follows the shores of the Sarnen and Lake Lungern. From Lungern church along the Brünigweg which, as a pilgrimage pfennig (coin) shows, was once a pilgrims’ path. Details: 20km/12.4mi, +700m/2296ft, -190m/-623ft

Meals:  B

There is an option to take the train to Brienz. Brünig offers a magnificent mountain panorama with the high Bernese Oberland summits and ever present snow. The trail leads along sunny slopes above the Brienzersee lake, allowing you to experience an exceptionally lovely landscape. Overnight in the lovely, busy resort town of Interlaken. Harder Kulm, the mountain behind the town, is a good 1.5-2 hours walk if you're feeling up to it (or you can take the chairlift in both directions) for lovely views of the area and a quiet drink. Details: 28km/17.3mi, +690m/2263ft, -1125m/-3690ft

Meals:  B

Today the trail leads alongside the River Aare to the Weissenau nature reserve on the Thunersee lake. From Neuhaus it continues through woodland, often with clear views (weather dependent) of the lake and the Bernese Alps. The Beatushöhlen (caves), former place of pilgrimage of St Beatus, are particularly impressive. From Merligen you take the boat to Spiez (included). Details: 13km/8mi, +445m/1459ft, -445m/-1459ft

Meals:  B

In peaceful countryside and with the Stockhorn mountain chain in the background, today you will pass several lakes and two of the '1000 year-old churches' on Lake Thun. The oldest church was built by King Rudolf II of Burgundy is in Einigen, the Romanesque church in Amsoldingen was by the same builder. Details: 23km/14mi, +435m/1427ft, -395m/-1295ft

Meals:  B

You'll be enchanted by the unspoiled pre-Alpine landscape. The Rüeggisberg Monastery ruins and Wahlern Church, seen from afar on a sandstone ridge, are cultural highlights on today's walk. Continue to Schwarzenburg, where you stay tonight. Details: 21km/13mi, +620m/2034ft, -425m/-1394ft

Meals:  B

Today's trail leads you along the Sensegraben, a popular recreational area and nature reserve. After the Sodbachbrücke bridge, you'll see numerous religious symbols along the wayside, a clear indication that you’ve crossed the border into the Catholic canton of Fribourg. Capital of the canton of the same name, Fribourg is one of three bilingual French and German cantons in Switzerland. Details: 20km/12.5mi, +380m/1246ft, -545m/1788ft

Meals:  B

The city of Fribourg, with its numerous historic references to St James, is worth the journey in its own right. Explore its medieval old city above the Sarine River and visit the Gothic Cathedral, with art nouveau stained glass and views from the bell tower, before setting out. The pilgrims’ path leads over the St Apolline bridge and through the varied landscape of the Glâne to Romont. Romont is a small, picturesque town dating from the 10th century and located between Lausanne and Fribourg - the lakes and mountains. Details: 28km/17.3mi, +580m/1902ft, -495m/-1624ft

Meals:  B

This stage of the Via Jacobi linking Romont and Moudon has some beautiful viewpoints and no particular technical challenges. Both towns once belonged to the Duke of Savoy, with Moudon being the former capital of Savoyard-Vaud. It has a wealth of historic buildings and is one of the best preserved towns in the canton, with its upper-town neighbourhood classified a townscape of national importance. Details: 15km/9.4mi, +145m/475ft, -345m/-1131ft

Meals:  B

Today you will walk to Lake Geneva, initially along the banks of 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. Overnight in Lausanne. Details: 32km/19.8mi, +595m/1952ft, -640m/-2099ft

Meals:  B

In Lausanne, the Via Jacobi leads from the Notre Dame Cathedral down the Escaliers du Marché (staircase) between Place de la Palud and the Cathedral, one of the most picturesque sites in Lausanne. In Vidy, you will cross an idyllic park with Roman ruins and then follow the popular lakeside promenade along Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) to Morges. Morges is best known for its La Côte vineyards, which extend to Nyon and Morges Castle which was built in 1286 by Ludwig of Savoy. Continue to neighbouring Rolle for overnight. Details: 29km/18mi, +295m/967ft, -350m/-1148ft

Meals:  B

Continue following the lake towards Nyon, founded by Caesar and with many excavations and sights from Celtic Helvetians and Roman times. Intellectuals once gathered in the salon of Madame de Staël in Coppet and the lake is still much loved by the rich and famous. As a pilgrim, you can reflect on this or simply enjoy the inspiring landscape. Details: 31km/19.2mi, +355m/1164ft, -360m/-1181ft

Meals:  B

The final stage of your Via Jacobi leads through villages with a French ambience to cosmopolitan Geneva. A highlight and end point is the impressive St Pierre Cathedral. One of its magnificent stained glass windows depicts St James wearing a purple cloak trimmed with ermine. Details: 18km/11.1mi, +230m/754ft, -230m/-754ft

Meals:  B

The trip concludes in Geneva after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights if you'd like to stay longer, please ask for our rates.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 20 breakfasts - these are usually continental style and taken at the hotel/accommodation
  • 20 nights in 3 star hotels and small family run guesthouses and B&Bs in twinshare rooms mostly with private facilities (share facilities in some smaller towns)
  • Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful information
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Ferry tickets: Brunnen to Treib and Merlingen to Spiez
  • Pilgrim passport
  • Entry to the library in St Gallen
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Rorschach and from Geneva
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess luggage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Return ticket for the bus ride between Wattwil and Lichtensteig - allow approx CHF 10 pp
  • Train ride from Brunigpass to Brienz - allow approx CHF10 pp
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

3 star hotels & Inns

We use a combination of 3 star hotels and Inns. All rooms have ensuite facilities. Some properties may have a swimming pool, spa or sauna or access to a wellness centre nearby. Note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bed frame but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.

Trail Surface

Hiking trails

The hiking trails mostly lead along wide forest and field paths, there will be narrower paths along Lake Lucerne. There will be road walking with minor traffic as you enter and exit towns & villages.

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

GRADE 4 - Hiking along paths that are mostly well defined and clearly marked. You should be an experienced walker and be able to walk for up to 8.5 hours a day (most days are between 5 to 7 hours) in potentially variable weather - hot sun or rain/cold. There are some steep hills, and the terrain is mountainous in some parts. A good level of fitness is required. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, and jogging, three to four times a week for three months prior to your departure. The walking times and distances are approximate and may vary depending on the accommodations booked. Breaks are not included in the hours walked estimate. It is possible to book rest days during the trip - these must be requested at the time of booking.

Departure dates

Daily from 21 Mar to 18 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
DN1
High season is from 25 Apr to 26 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.
Note:
Train ride St Gallen to Herisau and return bus ticket Wattwil - Lichtensteig are not included (allow approx CHF30 total)

Priceper person from

£4130GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single supplementGBP£1240
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.