Thurweg
Overview
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Distance 20 km
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Duration 5 h 20 min
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Ascent 280 m
Intro
Magnificent views of the Churfirsten along the Säntisthur river as far as the thundering Thur Falls. Until Starkenbach, the Thur runs through flowering meadows and Toggenburg villages, followed by many ravines. The river plunges over the three Giessen Falls shortly before reaching Nesslau.
Description
The hike does not start in Wildhaus but 300 metres further up the mountain at the end of a gondola lift near Gamplüt. Gamplüt in Obertoggenburg is located at an altitude of 1,354 metres. The route is about an hour longer if you do not use the cable car.
From the trail, which is surfaced to start with, you gradually become immersed in the atmosphere of the Säntis. The road soon changes to a path, and you have your first glimpse of the Säntisthur from here. Its source is around 1,200 metres higher up on Chalbersäntis. The path continues past the Alpli and the Laui plains to Plattenweid.
You then reach the descent through the Drecktöbeli, which leads to the two Thur Falls in the forested Chammerlitobel. The Thur waterfalls are particularly impressive when there is abundant meltwater from the nearby mountains or long-lasting rainfall. The total height of the falls is 23 metres. You continue to Unterwasser, where the Säntisthur merges with the Wildhauser Thur and continues to flow through the Toggenburg as the Thur. The path continues along the river to Alt St. Johann, then past the former Benedictine monastery and an old mill. The monastery has a long history dating back to the 12th century and it is possible to do a tour there.
The stage continues along the Thur on a pleasant path to Iltishag, where a short climb lies ahead. Shortly afterwards you reach Stein SG. The old farmhouses, chapel and church provide some insight into the long history of the village, which dates back to the early Middle Ages. The stage continues on the left bank, with alternating pastures and short sections of forest. In the gorge below, the water tumbles down the first waterfall before the path penetrates further into the gorge and finally leads to the power plant at the second waterfall. The power plant produces electricity that is used by the community of Nesslau. This is the destination for this stage.
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 |
Wildhaus, Gamplüt
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Nesslau
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| Direction |
One way
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| Ascent |
280 m
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| Descent |
880 m
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| Distance |
20 km
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| Duration |
5 h 20 min
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| Duration back |
5 h 50 min
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| Technical requirements |
Medium
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
Quick Facts
Route number
