Vogelherd

Vogelherd is a hill rising just above the town of Einsiedeln in the canton of Schwyz, in the Schwyz Alps. It sits north of the Benedictine monastery, at roughly 47.13° N, 8.76° E. This is a gentle viewpoint rather than a serious summit, and it fits easily into a walk around town, with the abbey on one side and Lake Sihl on the other.

What can you see from Vogelherd?

Looking down, you see the rooftops of Einsiedeln and the twin towers of the abbey church. Turn around and the reservoir of Lake Sihl opens up, with Alpine ridges behind it. The view shows how much the monastery shapes the whole valley. The nearby Birchli saddle offers a similar double outlook, over the village on one side and the lake on the other.

How do you get to Vogelherd?

Start on foot from Einsiedeln. A gravel road climbs from the monastery toward the hill. The town itself is reached by rail: SBB and SOB trains run between Zurich and Einsiedeln every half hour. From the station you walk, so there is no need for a car or for parking.

Is there a ready-made route?

Yes. A popular loop from Einsiedeln passes over Vogelherd and Birchli, drops to the Roblosen lido on Lake Sihl and returns to the monastery. The stages are:

• start at the Adlermättli info point in front of the monastery,
• the statue of St Benedict, then the Birchli saddle,
• a short detour up Vogelherd,
• the descent to Roblosen on the lakeshore,
• the return along a forest track past the Galgenchappeli chapel, the old Etzelstrasse and Horgenberg.

The loop is about 9.4 km and takes roughly 2.5 hours, with under 150 m of total ascent. It is rated easy and needs very little fitness, so it suits families and visitors who do not usually hike.

When should you go?

The walk depends on the weather, because the view is the reward. Pick a day with good visibility, when both the abbey and the Alpine backdrop above Lake Sihl stand out. In summer you can extend the trip with a stop at the lake in Roblosen. Outside the season, check trail conditions before leaving town.

Frequently asked questions

Is Vogelherd a difficult climb? No. It is a small hill above Einsiedeln, and the loop that includes it is easy, with less than 150 m of ascent overall.

Where should I start? In Einsiedeln, at the monastery. A gravel road leads up toward the hill from there, and the full loop begins at the Adlermättli info point.

How long does it take? The full loop via Birchli and Roblosen takes about 2.5 hours. The climb to the hill itself is a short stretch you can add to a visit to the town.

Can I get there without a car? Yes. Trains run from Zurich to Einsiedeln every 30 minutes, and the trail starts in the town centre.