Rapperswil, where around 20,000 roses bloom every year, is the starting point of the fourth Via Jacobi stage. The town on the southern shore of Lake Zurich is known for its castle, the panoramic views from the Glarus Alps to the Zurich Oberland and the picturesque old town.

The hiking stage starts at the railway station directly on the lake. In addition to the lake view, the 841-metre-long wooden footbridge that leads across the lake to Hurden is impressive. The route continues on the other side of the dam. The panoramic views by the lake crossing can extend from the island of Ufenau to the other side of the lake and the city of Zurich. After an hour, you reach the railway station in Pfäffikon.

The town boasts a scenic lakeside promenade and benefits from its proximity to Zurich and Schwyz's favourable tax regime. Pfäffikon is also known for its water park: The Alpamare offers four pools, ten water slides and wellness facilities.

Now comes the ascent to the Etzel Pass. Around 500 metres in altitude are covered in just under two hours. The pass, at an altitude of just under 1000 metres, is reached via road sections, paths and forest sections. You will come across the Etzel Chapel, built in 1698. The St. Meinrad inn, with its sunny terrace and cosy dining room, is part of the baroque ensemble.

A gentle downhill stretch with views of the Grosse and Kleine Mythen soon leads to the Tüfelsbrugg of Etzel, built in 1117, and after another hour to Galgenchäppeli. The path between Galgenchäppeli and Horgenberg, the so-called "Alte Etzelstrasse", was already part of a trade route in the 10th century. Pilgrims from Zurich also used this path with views of Sihlsee lake to reach the Black Madonna at the monastery of Einsiedeln.

The five-hour hike ends a little later at the pilgrimage site in Einsiedeln. The richly decorated houses in the old part of town and the massive monastery complex invite you to linger for a while.