Schwyzer Höhenweg
Overview
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Distance 13 km
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Duration 5 h 30 min
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Ascent 1200 m
Intro
The area of the rock slide is still impressive, with masses of debris and boulders and unusual vegetation now reclaiming the area. The Wildspitz, the highest mountain in Canton Zug, offers superb views of the lakes of Central Switzerland.
Description
The hike begins at Arth-Goldau station, a vital railway junction on the Gotthard line. The twin locality lies between Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz in the canton of Schwyz. A massive landslide formed an alluvial fan some 200 years ago. Today, this rocky, pristine, natural landscape is home to the renowned Goldau Wildlife Park.
You quickly leave the settlement area by heading north through the village centre along the main road. A steep ascent leads across flower meadows and past numerous cherry trees. In spring, the blooming hillsides provide a spectacular nature experience.
The trail turns into a forest path that leads steeply up to the Gnipen, following the ridge. The narrow path between forest and pastures offers breathtaking views, sometimes on both sides. Once you reach the summit, it becomes clear that you have been hiking next to the Goldau rockslide area.
Two hundred years ago, a massive forty million cubic metres of rock detached from the Gnipen and tumbled into the valley. Three villages were destroyed, and 457 people lost their lives. The natural disaster made headlines throughout Europe.
A well-made, solid path continues along the ridge through the Bannwald forest up to the Wildspitz, the highest mountain in the canton of Zug and the stage's highest point, 1,570 metres above sea level. When the weather is clear, you can marvel at the Säntis and the Churfirsten peaks from here.
On a narrower path, you now head downhill through cow pastures and small wooded areas. The Halsegg alpine inn invites you to take a last break before the descent to Sattel. The village with Europe's oldest wooden house, dating from 1176, is located between Lake Lauerz and Lake Aegeri and was the scene of the Battle of Morgarten.
The route ends at Sattel railway station, not far from the valley station of the world's first revolving aerial gondola. The gondolas, slowly rotating around their axis, take you straight to the Mostelberg. A toboggan run, a 374-metre suspension bridge and a tyre slide await at the top.
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
| Start location |
Goldau
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Sattel
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
1500 m
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| Ascent |
1200 m
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| Descent |
950 m
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| Distance |
13 km
|
| Duration |
5 h 30 min
|
| Duration back |
5 h 10 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
May - October
|
| Theme |
To a mountain peak, With panoramic view
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| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r... |
Quick Facts
Route number
