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Intro

Along the small Urnäsch river, across meadows and fields, through dark coniferous forests and past cascading waterfalls up to Schwägalp - bottom station of the aerial cableway to the Säntis with its fantastic summit panorama.

Description

The fifth stage of the alpine panorama trail begins at the Hotel Säntis, nestled in a lovely mountain backdrop. The culturally rich Schwägalp region can look back on a tradition of over 1000 years. To this day, people continue to practise traditional values in handicrafts, forestry and agriculture as well as local customs. Probably the most famous tradition is the Schwägalp Schwinget. In an arena at the foot of the Säntis, the wrestlers duel each year before an audience of over 10,000 spectators.

Across pastures, through short forest sections and past numerous streams, you hike downhill to Lutertannen for a little more than an hour. The area around Schwägalp is listed in the inventory of landscapes of national importance. Large parts of the moorland are protected in order to preserve the numerous habitats of plants and animals.

Once past Lutertannen, the ascent to the Risi pass follows. The view of the surrounding mountains invites you to rest and catch your breath. During the Ice Age, only the Säntis and the highest mountains of the Alpstein chain protruded from the Lake Constance-Rhine glacier. When the temperature slowly rose around 16,000 years ago, plants grew more luxuriantly and mud accumulated in calmer waters. The first moors in the alps and foothills of the alps developed in glacial depressions and on wet, poorly aerated soils.

Finally, you descend over lush meadows and alpine pastures to the stage destination in Stein (SG). In 2013, the municipality merged with Nesslau-Krummenau to form the new municipality of Nesslau. The farming village traversed by the Thur river is situated between the Alpstein, Churfirsten and Speer mountains and consists of the hamlets of Breitenau, Stiegen, Steinerberg, Hinterberg and Mühle.

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
Stein SG
Direction
One way
Ascent
500 m
Descent
1000 m
Distance
13 km
Duration
4 h
Duration back
4 h 25 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
April - October
Theme
To an alp, Along Water
More information https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe3....

Route

Alpine Panorama Trail

Rorschach - Genève
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All stages

Map

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

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 4/29

Distance

13 km

Duration

4 h

Ascent

500 m

Travel information: Urnäsch

Current Offers

  • Urnäsch Säntis Ticket from Schwägalp

    Take the cable car from Schwägalp to the summit of the Säntis at 2502 m above sea level and enjoy a... from CHF 38
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    valid: 19.06.2025 - 13.12.2025

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  • 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
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    valid: 19.06.2025 - 30.11.2025

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  • St. Gallen Day pass for all zones in the Ostwind tariff association

    Travel all day using public transport in the Ostwind tariff association area. Use all means of... from CHF 40
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    valid: 19.06.2025 - 17.08.2025

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    You go on an action-packed city rally with the whole wedding party through St. Gallen to say goodbye... from CHF 299
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    valid: 08.07.2025 - 16.06.2026

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  • St. Gallen "Hangover" Escape Game St. Gallen

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    valid: 19.06.2025 - 13.06.2026

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    valid: 19.06.2025 - 15.06.2026

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  • Alt St. Johann 3 hours scooter fun with huskys workshop

    You will experience a tour with sled dogs on a scooter. You will notice every twitch of your dog.... from CHF 330
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    valid: 20.06.2025 - 30.11.2025

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  • Alt St. Johann Wanderung Sunset Selun

    Tour guidance & organization by local hiking guidesSelunbahn ride from CHF 85
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    valid: 04.07.2025 - 08.08.2025

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