Karstspur Silberen

The endless skies above, the unending Hölloch cave system below and amid the barren karstic landscape. What makes the rocky landscape of the Silberen area unique is Switzerland's largest karrenfield (eroded limestone terrain). This hike starts on the Pragel Pass, and the second section affords superb views of the Klön Valley.

The Pragelpass connects the Muotatal with the Klöntal and is the starting point of this circular hike. It is not served by public transport; from the nearest stop, Klöntal, Richisau, it is around four and a half kilometres to the start.

After a short opening stretch on an easy hiking trail, the mountain trail climbs through open pastures. The terrain soon becomes rockier, and the ascent leads close to the Silberen. The pale colour of the bare rock gave both the summit and the protected landscape their name. After around four kilometres, the highest point of the hike is reached at just over 2,300 m.

The second half traces a broad loop across open, at times rocky terrain. The mountain trail continues to dominate for long stretches and demands stamina right to the end: the total ascent is around 1,050 metres. Towards the end, the pastures become gentler again, and a short section on a broader hiking trail leads back to the Pragelpass. A good five hours should be allowed for the 14-kilometre circuit.