WALSA-Weg, Stage 1/4

This walk starts in Bad Ragaz, where thermal spring water has been gushing since 1840. After passing the ruin of Freudenberg castle, which can be traversed on foot, there follows a longer stretch uphill in light mixed woodland. The view across the Rhine Valley to the Grison Alps is awe-inspiring. Passing through Valeistobel valley, the final ascent ends in Garschlu.

From Bad Ragaz railway station, the hike initially leads through the village. Before long, the extended ascent begins, gaining around 700 metres in elevation over a total of ten kilometres. On the wooded hill of Freudenberg Castle, the trail passes close to the ruins. They are among the largest castle complexes in the Sarganserland. The forest then remains the predominant companion for some time, while the yellow-waymarked hiking trail steadily gains elevation.

Higher up, the landscape becomes more open. Meadows and pastures replace the forest, while the ascent continues until shortly before the end. The highest point is at Garschlu, at around 1,100 m, and is reached after about three hours. The hike ends here, away from public transport. The nearest stop, Maienberg, is around 300 metres away. The route thus combines a start close to the village with a long forest ascent and a peaceful finish in open terrain.