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Intro

The surroundings change from mountains to the hilly terrain of mittleren Toggenburg. Passing the Regelstein vantage point and the pass village of Ricken, it leads to Atzmännig and on to the stage destination of Chrüzegg.

Description

The hike starts on the Tanzboden mountain, around two hours away from all public transport, and with magnificent views of the Alpstein and Säntis peaks, Lake Zurich and the Obersee lake. A varied path leads through meadows and small patches of woodland towards Regelstein. After almost two hours of walking, a beautiful dry stone wall and a fabulous view signal your first stop for a break.

After carrying on through a forest filled with silver firs, Norway spruce, beech, maple and rowan, you will reach the village of Ricken after around an hour. The older trees were severely damaged in late 1999 by Storm Lothar, regarded as the worst storm of the 20th century. In early 2000, the uprooted timber was prepared and sold, preventing a bark beetle infestation and unblocking the Toggenburger Höhenweg route in the process. The Ricken Pass connects Toggenburg with the Linth plain between Zurich and Lake Walen. Pilgrims cross the pass along the Schwabenweg route, an important branch of the Way of St. James. In winter, the area is known for its cross-country ski trails.

After descending almost 1,000 metres, the terrain will become demanding again, with a climb of just under 500 metres up to the Rotstein ridge. By the time you get to enjoy the leisurely stroll to the upper reaches of the Twerenalp, you will have earned it. The gentle uphill and downhill gradients are accompanied by fantastic scenery the entire way. You will then arrive at your final destination for this leg at the Chrüzegg mountain. The small mountain pass connects Toggenburg with the Zurich Oberland, boasting captivating views of Lake Zurich and Lake Constance, the alps of Glarus, Central Switzerland and Bern, and towards Alpstein.

An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Tanzboden
Destination
Chrüzegg
Direction
One way
Altitude (meter above sea level)
1400 m
Ascent
900 m
Descent
1050 m
Distance
16 km
Duration
5 h 30 min
Duration back
5 h 35 min
Technical requirements
Easy
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
May - October
Theme
With panoramic view, To an alp
More information https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe48...

Route

Toggenburger Höhenweg

Wildhaus - Wil SG
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All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 4/6

Distance

16 km

Duration

5 h 30 min

Ascent

900 m

Travel information: Ricken

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