Swiss Route (Jakobsweg)
A 350 km historic route, "end–to–end" (east–west) through Switzerland from Konstanz on the German border to Geneva. There is also a branch starting in Rorschach and leading via St. Gallen to join the main route in Einsiedeln. Follows the general direction taken by pilgrims to Santiago in previous centuries although alternatives paths are used in places where the original route has now become a modern road. In many sections there are also two options, to the north or south of the several lakes the route passes. One goes via the Brunnig pass (1 002 m), Interlaken and Thun, the other via Lucerne and Bern, joining up again near Fribourg to continue to Lausanne and then to Geneva and the French border (from where energetic pilgrims can continue on a waymarked route to Le Puy–en–Velay).
Waymarking
Well waymarked throughout, either with the white signposts of the Schwabenweg or the brown markers of the Swiss long–distance footpaths network. Note, however, that these never indicate the distance but only the time needed to walk from one place to the next.
Terrain
Strenuous! The surfaces are normally easy to walk on (a number of farm tracks are in fact tarmac now) but apart from sections alongside lakes the route is full of ups and downs, often several times a day. The highest point of the route is the pass over the Haggenegg, at 1 414 m. (Cyclists will need to take minor roads or dedicated cycle tracks for much of the route.)
What to see
Apart from the stunning scenery on most of the route there are traces of pilgrim activity in the past, numerous interesting small chapels and churches along the way and a number of representations of St. James. The most important ecclesiastical "sight" is the abbey at Einsiedeln, a pilgrim gathering place in the past and also a pilgrim focus in its own right. The route also passes the birth place of St. Nikolaus de Flüe (and after whom the new refuge in Ponferrada is named).
Accommodation
Plenty, but none of it very cheap. Some youth hostels, very few campsites, but in the German–speaking areas in particular there is a network of spartan accommodation known as Schlafen im Stroh/Aventure à la Paille. Farms belonging to the scheme provide a barn where you can sleep in the hay (with your sleeping bag), washing facilities and a good breakfast the following morning. All charge the same price (20 Swiss francs per person in 2002). Details are given in the accommodation list provided by the Swiss pilgrim associations (addresses below).
Towns and villages along the way
Photogallery
