Alpine Panorama Trail, Stage 4/29

A splendid hike to Lutertannen and across the Risi pass vantage point to Stein in Toggenburg. Meadows and alpine pastures, natural moors and coniferous forests alternate in a colourful succession.

The roughly four-hour hike begins at the Schwägalp, Säntis-Schwebebahn stop. The yellow-marked trail leaves Schwägalp and crosses open pastureland. Rather than one long ascent, the first part of the 13-kilometre route is characterised by constant ups and downs.

After Lutertannen, the terrain begins to rise again. The trail crosses alpine pastures to Risipass, which lies directly on the route. Shortly afterwards, the highest point is reached at around 1,460 metres. Here, the character of the hike is particularly evident: plenty of open terrain, broad slopes and a trail that leads through the Pre-Alps without any technical difficulties.

The long descent now begins. In total, the route loses around 1,000 metres in elevation and continues increasingly downhill towards Stein SG. The open pastures extend almost to the village, where the hike ends. From the finish, it is only a few minutes to the Stein SG, Dorf stop.