Via Jacobi Bregenz

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: Bregenz → Rapperswil-Jona
• Length: 106.8 km
• Elevation gain:↗ 2,744 m / ↘ 2,735 m
• Highest point:~1,084 m
• Duration: about 5–6 days on foot
• Character: Feeder route from Lake Constance through the Appenzell Hills to the Via Jacobi

Overview

The Via Jacobi Bregenz—traditionally known as the “Rorschacher Ast”—is one of Switzerland’s historic St. James’ Ways and dates back to before the year 1500. It has always been the most important route for pilgrims from the east and northeast entering Switzerland via the Lake Constance region.

From Bregenz on Lake Constance, the route leads through Rorschach into the Appenzell region, continuing through Herisau and Wattwil until it reaches Rapperswil-Jona on Lake Zurich. There, it joins the Via Jacobi, Switzerland’s main pilgrimage route.

Other Names

• German: Rorschacher Ast, Way of St. James: Bregenz–Rorschach–Einsiedeln
• English: Rorschach branch

Who This Route Is Ideal For—and Who It's Not

This is ideal if you’re from the German-speaking part of Eastern Europe and are looking for an accessible, historically rich way to explore the Swiss pilgrimage network—starting with Lake Constance and continuing through the rolling hills of Appenzell. It’s also a great choice for a long weekend or a short week.

Not the best choice if you're expecting high mountains and significant elevation gain: The trail stays mostly in hilly terrain, with the highest point at around 1,084 meters.

Route & Landscape

From Bregenz, the route follows Lake Constance to Rorschach. Further along the way lies St. Gallen, whose settlement grew up around the monastery founded around 720—pilgrims on the Way of St. James have been cared for here since the beginning of the pilgrimages to Santiago.

The route then leads through the green, rolling countryside of Appenzell, passing through Herisau and Wattwil, and finally reaches Rapperswil-Jona on the upper part of Lake Zurich.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

At about 107 kilometers and with an elevation gain of approximately 2,744 meters, the trail is easily manageable in 5–6 days. The terrain transitions from the flat shores of Lake Constance to the undulating hills of Appenzell—a steady series of ups and downs, but without any high-alpine sections. The highest point is around 1,084 meters.

Highlights Along the Way

• Bregenz – The event kicks off on the Austrian shore of Lake Constance.
• Rorschach – A port city on the Swiss shore of Lake Constance.
• St. Gallen – a town along the route, centered around the venerable monastery, one of the earliest stops on the pilgrimage route.
• Appenzellerland – a green, gently rolling hiking region.
• Rapperswil-Jona – “City of Roses” on Lake Zurich, a hub in the Swiss pilgrimage network.

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

The natural inflow comes from Bavaria: The The Munich Way of St. James ends in Lindau—from there, it's just a short hop along the shore of Lake Constance to Bregenz, where this branch begins.

In Einsiedeln, the Bregenz branch line joins the main line of the Via Jacobi– From there, we'll continue together toward Geneva and France.

Continue the pilgrimage?

In Rapperswil-Jona, the Via Jacobi Bregenz meets the Via Jacobi, the main Swiss route from Konstanz to Geneva. From here, via Rapperswil and the pilgrimage hub of Einsiedeln, pilgrims can continue on to Western Switzerland and ultimately to Santiago via France.

Preparation & Practical Information

The best time to hike is from spring through fall. You’ll stay in guesthouses and pilgrim lodgings along the route; a pilgrim’s passport is useful for collecting stamps and securing lodging. The trail is marked as the Swiss Way of St. James—if there are any deviations, always follow the official signage on site.

What the journey will cost you

Switzerland is expensive. Roughly estimate 60–100 € per day for lodging, plus meals; basic accommodations and self-catering will lower your costs.

Getting There

The starting point is Bregenz on Lake Constance, which is easily accessible by train—both from the Austrian rail network and via the Swiss rail network.

• Train to Bregenz / from Rapperswil: Good morning– Connections and tickets.

Path Carrier

The Swiss Ways of St. James are organized by the association The Way of St. James in Switzerland – Compostelle Suisse manages (known as “jakobsweg.ch” until 2026, renamed following the merger with “Les Amis”). The association marks and maintains the trails, trains pilgrim guides, and publishes trail brochures and the pilgrim passport.