Züri Oberland-Höhenweg
Overview
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Distance 21 km
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Duration 6 h
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Ascent 900 m
Intro
The Schauenberg offers magnificent views of the Alps. After idyllic Bichelsee lake, the ridge walk begins, with views into countless valleys. Over Pro Natura’s Alp Ergeten with a pre-Alpine character and extensive farming, to the head of the Hulftegg Pass.
Description
The historic Gasthof Gyrenbad inn is located above Turbenthal and with a view of the Glarus Alps. The first mention of the site is as a farmstead in 1364, but it began operating as a spa from as far back as 1464 until 1968. It was then converted in 1990. Despite operating as a modern hotel, the traditional character of the building has been preserved as far as possible and the spa garden is like a time machine into the past too.
But the pampering will soon be over: the second leg of the mountain trail is a feat of endurance. It cuts right to the chase with a climb to Schauenberg and its ruin. The foundation walls of an impressive inhabited tower from around 1300 can still be seen here. The views of the Alpine peaks are also delightful. Then follows the descent via Tiefenstein to Seelmatten. Nearby Bichselsee lake is only visible once during the journey. To see it, you will have to walk directly past a well-kept farm with pigs, goats and cows grazing. Thereafter comes the next climb to a beautiful trail along a ridge leading to Chabishaupt. It may seem like this part of the woods consists solely of hollies. Once you are back on the forest roads, you will reach Sitzberg after around three hours, where you can take a half-time break at Restaurant Sternen.
Passing along the main road and a gravel road, there is a fantastic viewpoint looking over the Glarus, Uri, Bernese and Lucerne Alps. The Eiger, Mönch, Jungfrau, Gross Spannort and Tödi vie for the beholder’s attention. Continue along the surfaced road to Kaltenbrunnen. As far as Silberbüel, the route described follows the same path as the Way of St James. The last 45 minutes or so before arriving at the destination pass by the Alp Ergeten nature reserve first. Pro Natura has been running a pioneering project here for the extensive summer grazing of cattle since 1985. The Hulftegg is a pass at an altitude of 953 metres above sea level that connects Toggenburg with the upper Töss Valley. It boasts marvellous views of Toggenburg and the hilly landscape of the Appenzellerland to Lake Constance.
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 |
Girenbad
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Hulftegg
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
900 m
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| Descent |
680 m
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| Distance |
21 km
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| Duration |
6 h
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| Duration back |
5 h 50 min
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Difficult
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| Season |
April - October
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| Theme |
With panoramic view, Over a pass
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Quick Facts
Route number
