Schwyzer Höhenweg
Overview
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Distance 9 km
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Duration 2 h 30 min
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Ascent 20 m
Intro
Down between the Rigi Kulm and the ridge leading to Rigi Scheidegg. Views of the Gnipen with the area where the Goldau rockslide started in 1806. Plenty of time in Goldau for a detour to the animal park.
Description
The views from the starting point of this mainly descending route are breathtaking. Enjoy the Alpine chain, Lake Lucerne, Lake Sempach or Lake Zug from the panoramic terrace at Rigi Staffel. Europe's first mountain railway arrived here from Vitznau on 21 May 1871. Today, the Rigi is accessible from all directions thanks to seven cable cars and two cogwheel railways.
The trail first leads briefly along the cogwheel railway. Across sparsely wooded pastures and paths, you reach Rigi Klösterli, where you will have already descended 300 metres in altitude. This place of pilgrimage steeped in history was once home to numerous Capuchin monks. The pretty "Maria zum Schnee" pilgrimage chapel was built here over 300 years ago, not far from the rushing Rigi Aa, surrounded by characteristic grottos and caves.
The trail continues downhill on a well-surfaced gravel road. It becomes steeper over time and turns into a forest path that zigzags down to the Dälchli restaurant and continues to Blätzen. With the Kleine and Grosse Mythen before your eyes, you follow the paved road to Goldau. The fun hike ends at Arth-Goldau railway station, a vital railway junction on the Gotthard line.
Arth-Goldau is located between Lake Zug and Lake Lauerz in the canton of Schwyz. Today, the alluvial fan of a massive rockslide is home to the renowned Goldau Wildlife Park. On 42 hectares of pristine nature with huge boulders, you can observe more than a hundred European wild animal species, such as bears, wolves, foxes, bearded vultures and owls, from up close. Arth-Goldau lies in the heart of a cherry-tree region. The blossoming season in spring provides a lovely and unique nature experience.
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 |
Rigi
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Goldau
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
1600 m
|
| Ascent |
20 m
|
| Descent |
1100 m
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| Distance |
9 km
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| Duration |
2 h 30 min
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| Duration back |
3 h 40 min
|
| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Season |
May - October
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view, To a mountain peak
|
Quick Facts
Route number
