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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 starts at the Gamplüt gondola lift mountain station. From here, you gradually immerse yourself in the Säntis region. 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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Wildhaus, Gamplüt
Destination
Nesslau
Direction
One way
Ascent
300 m
Descent
880 m
Distance
20 km
Duration
5 h 20 min
Duration back
6 h
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
More information https://schweizmobil.ch/en/hiking-in-switzerland/r...

Route

Thurweg

Wildhaus, Gamplüt - Rüdlingen
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All stages

Map

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

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 1/8

Distance

20 km

Duration

5 h 20 min

Ascent

300 m

Travel information: Wildhaus

Current Offers

  • Wildhaus Vollmond-Schneeschuhwanderung

    Guided tour with trained hiking guideHot drink and something sweet along the wayRental equipment... from CHF 45
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    valid: 23.12.2026 - 21.02.2027

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  • Wildhaus Abend-Schneeschuhwanderung

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    valid: 18.12.2026 - 26.02.2027

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  • Wildhaus Alpstein Tarverse mit Ski

    Planning and guided tours by IVBV mountain guidesOvernight stay at Zwinglipasshüttesimple but hearty... from CHF 525
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    valid: 31.12.2026

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  • Wildhaus Tages Schneeschuhtour Frümseltal

    Guided tour with certified hiking leaderLVS (avalanche transceiver) set including instructionRental... from CHF 90
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    valid: 06.02.2027 - 14.03.2027

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  • Wildhaus Lawinenkunde: Theorieabende und Praxistage

    Organisation and leadership by Swiss Federal Diploma Mountain Guides IVBVPresentation on avalanche... from CHF 15
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    valid: 04.12.2026

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  • Wildhaus Tages-Schneeschuhwanderung Gräppelensee

    Guided tours led by trained hiking guidesHot drink and something sweet along the wayOptional... from CHF 55
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    valid: 27.12.2026 - 13.03.2027

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  • Wildhaus Detektiv Trail Wildhaus

    Treasure map to printGift per purchased treasure map from CHF 18
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    valid: 04.11.2026 - 31.12.2026

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  • Wildhaus Neujahrs Tagesskitour

    Planning and guiding by IVBV mountain guidesGuided ski and splitboard tours from CHF 185
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    valid: 06.12.2026 - 03.01.2027

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  • Unterwasser Iltios Cable Car "Unterwasser Chäserrugg Railway" in Toggenburg

    The funicular railway takes you from the valley station in Unterwasser to Iltios in about 8 minutes.... from CHF 22
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    valid: 19.12.2026 - 02.05.2027

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