Thurweg, Stage 1/8

From the Thurweg trail, which is 160 kilometres long, this first stage leads along the Säntisthur, with its view of the Churfirsten, to the impressive roar of the Thur Falls. Shortly before the end of this stage at Nesslau, the river rushes down into the Giessen Falls.

The hike starts at the Gamplüt bus stop at around 1'350 m, already the highest point of the route. The yellow-marked hiking trail runs across open pastures and through forest, mostly downhill. Short uphill stretches interrupt the long descent. At Laui-Alpli, the bistro offers an opportunity for a first break.

Later, the route passes close to the Thur Falls. The two-tiered cascade is formed by the Säntisthur, one of the headwaters of the Thur. A short distance further on, a barbecue site lies directly beside the trail. Before long, the forest gives way to the valley floor and Unterwasser is reached.

The route continues via Alt St. Johann and Starkenbach through a landscape of meadows, settlements and wooded slopes. After Stein, a quieter section follows towards Breitenau. Near the end, the trail passes Giessenfall II and reaches Nesslau after a total of around 20 kilometres. The hike takes just over five hours and involves around 280 metres of ascent and 880 metres of descent. From the finish, it is only a few steps to Nesslau-Neu St. Johann railway station.