Cham - Muri

First visit the parish church of St. Jakob in Cham. A magnificent building, the shell of which was completed in only nine months. Look inside (preferably with binoculars) at the ceiling painting by A. Messmer above the organ, which shows the birth of Christ. Look out for the headdresses of the three wise men and also take a picture of Joseph with your digital camera.

On a minimum of asphalt, head towards Röhrliberg and on to the Wart in Hünenberg. It is an excellent restaurant, which shows on the façade the story of the warning shot with the notice: «Hütet euch am Morgarten!». You know the consequences.

Now follows the steep descent üover the Totenhalde down into the Reuss plain. You encounter history at every turn. The old wooden bridge that crosses the Reuss at Sins üis a homogeneous structure from the outside, but shows two different building styles on the inside: built in lamella construction on the Sins side, and a newly constructed demolition structure on the Zug side. The reason for this was the Sonderbund War. At that time, General Dufour showed that it was possible to cross a river without bridges, because he had the first pontoon bridge built.

Through Sins you go to the church. To the left is the vicarage, in whose garden the old baptismal font now serves as a giant flowerpot. And now into the church. Compare this ceiling painting of the three wise men with the one in Cham. Also pay attention to the Joseph: this is what the artist looked like.

Easily elevated above the Reuss valley, you pass through a beautiful mixed beech forest to Benzenschwil. Along the stream to the small forest pond it is a delight for the senses. Various children's playgrounds including a giant marble run make you forget the time. The subsequent forest section before Muri is worth a leisurely walk. It is dark in places and is not called «Galgenholz» for nothing.

Now Muri is in sight and a visit to the monastery is a must. This domed building is uniquely beautiful. Why not buy a guidebook that will tell you everything else. Note the monastery façade, the longest in Switzerland. Take a look at the monastery garden, it's worth it! Take the train back to Cham via Rotkreuz.