Schijenfluh Umrundung

This cross-border hiking tour into nearby Austria not only allows us to retrace the footsteps of the Walser people and many a smuggler, it also provides a geological cross-section through the Rätikon mountain range with its striking contrast of light limestone and dark crystalline Silvretta rock.

The circular hike begins in Partnun at the St. Antönien, Partnun Sulzfluh bus stop. The mountain trail climbs through open alpine pastures and leads directly past Partnunsee. Above the lake, the terrain becomes increasingly rocky. Crossing several cols, the route continues into a barren landscape shaped by the high mountains.

After a steady succession of ascents and descents, the trail reaches its highest point at around 2,350 m shortly before Plasseggenpass. The pass lies on the border between Switzerland and Austria. The rugged Sarotlaspitzen rise prominently into view, their steep rock faces and sharp ridges defining this section.

The circuit then leads back towards Partnun across open slopes. After a total of 12 kilometres and a good four and a half hours, the route returns to the bus stop. With around 880 metres of ascent and a mountain trail marked white-red-white throughout, this is a demanding hike requiring good stamina.