Hint

Intro

The tour takes you to Eastern Switzerland's Grand Canyon, the Ofenloch. This spectacular gorge is an insiders' tip for hikers and explorers, due to its remote location between Neckertal and Toggenburg.

Description

The route starts beneath the powerful Säntis massif, on the Schwägalp. From here, the hike leads through meadows, woods and pastures, over the Chräzeren pass and down to the Ofenloch. There are crashing waterfalls here, and the great Ofenloch, which resembles an enormous pizza oven, reveals itself in all its splendour.

The hike continues over the Hinterfallenchopf, with an unbelievable view down into the Neckertal and Luterental, to the Chlosteralp. On the way down to Ennetbühl, the route passes powerful, ancient-looking oak trees, that were planted around 650 years ago to protect the slope following a landslide.

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
Schwägalp
Destination
Ennetbühl
Direction
One way
Ascent
720 m
Descent
1200 m
Distance
15 km
Duration
5 h
Duration back
5 h 35 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
Theme
With panoramic view
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Map

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

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 948

Distance

15 km

Duration

5 h

Ascent

720 m

Travel information: Säntis

Current Offers

  • Wildhaus Detektiv Trail Wildhaus

    Printable Treasure MapGift with every Treasure Map purchased from CHF 18
    Offer details


    valid: 06.07.2026 - 31.12.2026

    Learn more about Detektiv Trail Wildhaus
  • Unterwasser Chäserrugg ticket cable car in Toggenburg

    Let a modern aerial cableway and funicular take you from Unterwasser up to the Chäserrugg. At the... from CHF 48
    Offer details


    valid: 06.07.2026 - 01.11.2026

    Learn more about Chäserrugg ticket cable car in Toggenburg
  • Unterwasser Iltios Cable Car "Unterwasser Chäserrugg Railway" in Toggenburg

    The cable car takes you from the valley station in Unterwasser to Iltios in about 8 minutes. Iltios... from CHF 22
    Offer details


    valid: 06.07.2026 - 01.11.2026

    Learn more about Iltios Cable Car "Unterwasser Chäserrugg Railway" in Toggenburg
  • Gonten Ticket cable car Kronberg from Jakobsbad

    Take the cable car from Jakobsbad to the Kronberg in Appenzellerland. You need only 10 minutes for... from CHF 32
    Offer details


    valid: 06.07.2026 - 12.12.2026

    Learn more about Ticket cable car Kronberg from Jakobsbad
  • Schwende Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein

    Experience a tandem paragliding flight in Alpstein and soar like an eagle over the mountain... from CHF 210
    Offer details


    valid: 09.07.2026 - 18.03.2027

    Learn more about Panoramic paragliding in the Alpstein
  • Walenstadt Backpack wine tasting at Lake Walen

    Packed backpack with three wines from the Lake Walen regionExciting information about the Lake Walen... from CHF 75
    Offer details


    valid: 06.07.2026 - 15.11.2026

    Learn more about Backpack wine tasting at Lake Walen
  • Walenstadt E-Scooter Picnic Tour Lake Walen

    E-scooter rentalPicnic bag with food and drinksRoute guidance with GPS device from CHF 55
    Offer details


    valid: 07.07.2026 - 31.10.2026

    Learn more about E-Scooter Picnic Tour Lake Walen
  • Walenstadt E-Scooter Picnic Tour Lake Walen

    Excursion with the e-scooter on Lake Walen. The package includes the e-scooter rental incl. picnic...
    Offer details


    valid: 07.07.2026 - 31.10.2026

    Learn more about E-Scooter Picnic Tour Lake Walen