Hint

Intro

This hike leads across meadows and alps to Margelchopf, the imposing local mountain of Grabs. The grassy high plateau invites you to linger with its impressive view across the St. Gallen Rhine Valley and as far as Lake Constance. At the end, you can cool down in Lake Voralp.

Description

The Margelchopf summit trail starts at the Malbun mountain restaurant and climbs up into the forest, crossing alpine pastures. With the Alp Obersäss, the first stage is completed. It is then a leisurely route on to the many small mountain lakes, “Bi den Seen”. You are between Margelchopf and Glannachopf and in good weather, the surroundings are reflected in the lakes. The view across the Alpstein and the entire Rhine Valley is glorious.

A somewhat steeper path then leads up to the Isisizgrat. The ascent to Margelchopf proceeds from here. This is a stony peak with a rock face that is particularly pronounced to the north. Hands and feet have to be used for the steep rock path. In some places the path is secured with ropes. It is an advantage to have a head for heights here. Once at the top, you are rewarded by the wonderful view of Lake Constance, Vorarlberg and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The way back follows the same route to the Isisizgrat. After that, you go along a meandering stream. Its outflow is underground in the perforated rock at Isisizsess, and it then flows into Lake Voralp. The narrow path, which is a little wet in the lower part, winds its way through the mountain forest to the Voralp mountain restaurant. Arriving at the destination, you can enjoy the view of Lake Voralp. It is located in a superb hollow, surrounded by alpine pastures and forests. If you wish, you can also take a refreshing dip in the lake.

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
Buchs, Berghaus Malbun
Destination
Grabs, Kurhaus Voralp
Ascent
900 m
Descent
1050 m
Distance
11 km
Duration
4 h 35 min
Duration back
4 h 40 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
Signalization
Signalisation in both directions
More information https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/route922...

Map

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

Contact

Werdenberg Tourismus
Städtli 42
9470  Werdenberg

Phone  +41 (0)81 740 05 40
tourismus@werdenberg.ch
werdenberg.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

No. 922

Distance

11 km

Duration

4 h 35 min

Ascent

900 m

Travel information: Buchs SG

Current Offers

  • Vaduz Via Alpina - der Start

    Inclusive- Guidance and supervision by a hiking leader- Accommodation with half-board: 3 nights in a... from CHF 995
    Offer details


    valid: 30.06.2025 - 03.07.2025

    Learn more about Via Alpina - der Start
  • Vaduz Best of Via Alpina

    InclusiveGuided tours and supervision by a hiking guideAccommodation with half-board: 5 nights in a... from CHF 1,885
    Offer details


    valid: 13.07.2025 - 15.08.2025

    Learn more about Best of Via Alpina
  • Stump's Alpenrose AG, Wildhaus Ladies package

    1 night, 1 Night in Double room, Half-board, 1 x 3 course evening meal per person per night, 1 x 25 minutes... from CHF 465
    Offer details

    Double room
    valid: 22.06.2025 - 31.07.2025

    Learn more about Ladies package
  • Unterwasser Wild- und Naturbeobachtung Chäserrugg

    Guided hike through the karst landscape led by a local guideEvening wildlife observation: with a bit... from CHF 85
    Offer details


    valid: 03.07.2025 - 23.07.2025

    Learn more about Wild- und Naturbeobachtung Chäserrugg
  • Sargans Private Vintage Wine Tour Bündner Herrschaft full day

    Immerse yourself for a day in the centuries-old wine culture of the region in Heidiland. Visit two... from CHF 215
    Offer details


    valid: 23.06.2025 - 17.06.2026

    Learn more about Private Vintage Wine Tour Bündner Herrschaft full day
  • Sargans Heidi wine tour Bündner Herrschaft

    This tour combines the world-famous story of Heidi with a culinary journey through the wine region... from CHF 215
    Offer details


    valid: 23.06.2025 - 17.06.2026

    Learn more about Heidi wine tour Bündner Herrschaft
  • Unterwasser 2-tägige Churfirsten Tour

    Guided ascent of the seven ChurfirstenTraditional 4-course menuOvernight stay at the Berghotel... from CHF 480
    Offer details


    valid: 19.07.2025 - 20.09.2025

    Learn more about 2-tägige Churfirsten Tour
  • Sargans Wine and chocolate tour for groups

    You will experience a visit to Läderach chocolate with a tasting and lunch. Afterwards, you will... from CHF 235
    Offer details


    valid: 26.06.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Wine and chocolate tour for groups
  • Via Alpina Eastern Switzerland, 5 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for luggage... from CHF 825
    Offer details


    valid: 28.06.2025 - 14.09.2025

    Learn more about Via Alpina Eastern Switzerland, 5 days
  • City tour through Vaduz on the Citytrain

    Take the Citytrain through Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. On the way, you will learn the most... from CHF 12
    Offer details


    valid: 22.06.2025 - 31.10.2025

    Learn more about City tour through Vaduz on the Citytrain