For the lovers of pre-alpine hiking, Schwyz canton is a paradise in proximity and good accessibility to the Swiss Midlands. The Diethelm (2092 meters above sea level), sitting over the Sihlsee, is part of this abundance.
Directions
The Diethelm (one of three peaks of the Fluebrig) can be approached from different sides. We chose the classic and simplest variant from Studen (village) Ochsenboden (bus station). From Zurich, we arrived with an almost seamless connection via Wädenswil and Einsiedeln in 1.5 hours.
Ascent
From Ochsenboden (930 m) the path passes the golf course into the forest and climbs slightly in a long traverse up to the point 1297 m, which is reached after about an hour. From this point on, the path no longer runs through the cooling forest but climbs in a zigzag along the Turnerbach. We pass Schärm (1568 m) and Obergross (1839 m) and reach the point 1950 m, between Wändlispitz and Diethelm. The path went without chicanes till this point, it is now steep and more demanding. To reach the Diethelm you have to go through a steep stockpile and two rock bands. The first section is connected to a ladder, then fixed ropes are attached -> this final section is considered as T4 alpine hiking trail and is marked white / blue / white. Remember that you have about two and a half hours in your legs and a heavy backpack on your back. Here, stability and grip, as well as not having problem with vertigo are indispensable. Once you have crossed the second line, you reach the top of the summit and you will have a view that your eyes will enjoy. At "normal" speed, we were on the summit in 3 hours from Ochsenboden.
Takeoff
The summit can also be the starting point. The flank is W / NW oriented and partly very steep, partly with perennials, which can make lying out more difficult. The summit flank goes on all sides into rocky slopes: whoever starts here must know what he/she is doing and understand wind, as well as his/her own skills. There are certainly other suitable starting possibilities below the summit, but we have not tried them, we cannot make recommendations.
Flight / Landing
The dance follows: we enjoyed a lot of September-thermal; we could climb up to the summit and glide over Stockrain (1411 m) to the landing site in Euthal (Unterschweig 891 m) and land directly at the Sihlsee. Please be aware of the strong valley winds on some days. From there the red sunshades show the way to the shop and landing beer. The bus stops here (Euthal Höhport) and takes you back to Einsiedeln. Alternative: the whole Sihl plateau is a single landing field, in case you would not reach Euthal.
WEATHER / AIRSPACES
As always, proper weather and map studies are indispensable, as well as a Plan B under adverse conditions. The DABS, of course, is also part of it. The airspace Delta Zurich C starts at 2750 AMSL, from the Diethelm further south to the Sihltal lays the often-active LS-D12.
