Neckerweg, Stage 1/2

Setting off from the moors of the Schwägalp Pass, you will walk through a former glacier area located in what is now a forest reserve. Passing close to the headwaters of the Necker, the route descends to the beautifully situated Ampferenboden, hugging the river to St. Peterzell along the Way of St. James.

The long valley hike begins at the Schwägalp, Säntis-Schwebebahn bus stop. Shortly after the start, the route reaches its highest point at around 1,350 m. Open pastures characterise the opening section before the trail gradually begins to lose altitude.

After the first gentle descent, the path becomes rougher. A white-red-white waymarked mountain trail leads through woodland and rockier terrain around the Ofenloch. The gorge and grotto themselves, however, lie around 300 m off the route. At Ampferenboden, this more demanding section is complete. From here, open pastures, stretches of woodland and scattered settlements alternate. Short counter-ascents add up to a total elevation gain of around 500 metres.

In the final third, the terrain becomes gentler again. The hiking trail continues through the rolling Toggenburg countryside, climbing and descending steadily while gradually losing altitude. After around 19 km and about five and a half hours, St. Peterzell comes into view. Shortly before the destination, the route passes the Catholic church. The St. Peterzell, Dorf bus stop can be reached from the endpoint in a few minutes.