ViaJacobi Stage 12 (SchweizMobil 4)

Naturpark Gantrisch - The twelfth stage of the Jakobsweg leads from Wattenwil to Schwarzenburg. The route passes the monastery ruins in Rüeggisberg and the church Wahlern before Schwarzenburg. On this route, you hike through the intact pre-Alpine landscape of the Gantrisch Nature Park.

At the eastern edge of the Gantrisch Nature Park lies Wattenwil in the flat Gürbetal. This is the starting point of this stage. When ascending towards Burgistein, there is a magnificent view of Lake Thun and the Alps. Shortly before reaching the village, the path leads past the mighty Burgistein Castle. After crossing the village, the route goes over pastures and later along the Halbbach to Riggisberg.

The village is situated at 765 m above sea level on a south-facing slope with views of the Pre-Alps and the Jungfrau region. Besides Burgistein Castle, which invites you to stay overnight, the Abegg Foundation is of particular cultural and historical interest. The institute is a competence center for historical textiles and promotes international scientific exchange. On gravel roads, it takes about an hour passing the hamlets of Tromwil and Mättiwil to reach Rüeggisberg. The mighty monastery ruins are an impressive landmark of the village.

From here, the path leads downhill via Helgisried and Rohrbach. After a short stretch along the Schwarzwasser, a short, steep ascent follows. Via Mamishaus it continues to Elisried. From here, the Jakobsweg shares the last hour of the hike with the Alpine Panorama Trail. After just under six hours, the beautiful hike ends in Schwarzenburg.