Fischenthal combines a hike over Hüttchopf and Tössscheidi with winter activities in Steg and Amslen. Other highlights include the Steg outdoor swimming pool, open in summer, the Tössstock wildlife reserve and traces of local history. When planning, the season is especially important: you can focus on the high-altitude trail and its views, snow activities, or the outdoor pool and local history.

Hiking over Hüttchopf and Tössscheidi

One of the most rewarding hikes leads from Fischenthal over Hüttchopf (1,232 m above sea level) and Tössscheidi to Wald. From the ridge before Hüttchopf, you can see almost the entire Töss Valley; from the summit, on a clear day, the Alpine panorama stretches from Säntis and Tödi to the Bernese Alps. Check route availability and trail conditions before setting out.

A detour of about 20 minutes leads to Brandenfels. There, a stream plunges over a rock ledge; behind it is a well-equipped picnic area. The Tössscheidi fire pit is one of several public fire pits in Fischenthal. Check its local condition before use.

Nature and cycling

Fischenthal is officially recognised as a local recreation area. Its landscape is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing and sledging all year round. The area around Tössstock also defines the natural character of the region: it is a wildlife reserve where chamois live.

When cycling, an important distinction applies: Fischenthal currently has no official mountain-biking routes, but cycling on forest roads is permitted. Check local conditions before setting out. In very cold weather, you may be able to see ice climbers shortly before Tössscheidi.

Cross-country skiing and downhill skiing in winter

There are two different cross-country skiing options. The Rietliloipe trail between Gibswil and Fischenthal is almost 4 km long, flat and well suited to beginners and people of all ages. Dogs and pedestrians are not permitted on the trail. The Amslen cross-country skiing centre also has a 4 km night trail. Both options depend on snow conditions; check the current grooming and access status, and for the night trail, whether the lighting is operating.

For downhill skiing, the Steg ski area has two T-bar lifts at an altitude of between 700 and 1,023 m above sea level. The main lift is 1,100 m long, with a vertical drop of 309 m; the trainer lift is 160 m long, with a vertical drop of 30 m. The slopes are suitable for experienced skiers and beginners. As this is a seasonal winter offering, it is advisable to check current operating conditions in advance.

Summer and local history

The Steg swimming pool is an outdoor pool open in summer. Its 25-metre swimming pool has a separate lane. Plan your swimming day according to the season and check the current opening period.

Local history also offers specific points of interest. Until the First World War, the “Way of St. James” pilgrimage route passed through Fischenthal. According to the cantonal list dated 6 February 2026, the Reformed church at Kirchstrasse 2 is listed as a Category B property in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property.

The Fischenthal Local Museum houses valuable antiques, documents and photographs that bear witness to the community’s past. The Kleintal woodturning workshop is a particularly well-preserved example of a commercial business from the second half of the 19th century. The complex as a whole—from energy generation and transmission-driven machines to specialist tools—has been preserved in its original condition. Today, the woodturning workshop is used exclusively as a museum; Albert Knecht’s former shoemaker’s workshop is also maintained there.

Getting there by train

Fischenthal has three railway stations: in Steg, Fischenthal and Gibswil. The S26 provides direct connections to Rapperswil and Winterthur. Check the current timetable before travelling, as connections may change.

Discover more destinations: Wald, Bäretswil, Wetzikon, Gossau, Dürnten, Bubikon, Hinwil, Grüningen.

Back to the main travel overview: Hinwil.