Etzel, Mountain summit near Lake Zürich, Switzerland
Etzel is a mountain in the Schwyzer Alps rising to 1,098 meters, positioned between Lake Zürich and Lake Sihl. From the summit, visitors see both lakes and the Alpine peaks that surround the area.
The mountain connects to the story of St. Meinrad, a hermit who lived here in the 9th century and later founded Einsiedeln Monastery. A small chapel dedicated to him, built in the 14th century, sits on the mountain today.
The mountain is part of the Via Jacobi pilgrimage route, connecting religious sites between Pfäffikon and Einsiedeln through Etzelpass. Visitors and pilgrims walk these paths today, following routes used for centuries.
Multiple hiking paths lead to the summit, with the most direct route starting from the Büel parking area above Schindellegi village. Routes are well marked and take about one to two hours depending on where you begin.
Below the summit lies Etzelpass, a popular winter sledding spot with dedicated slopes and mountain restaurants where visitors can enjoy the descent. Many people explore the area year-round for both hiking and snow sports.
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