Chäserrugg

As one of the seven Churfirsten, the Chäserrugg is popular as an excursion mountain for hiking, walking and skiing. Its area is part of the Federal Inventory of Landscapes and Natural Monuments of Switzerland, which are of national importance.

10 Highlights on the Chäserrugg in Toggenburg

• The Chäserrugg reaches an altitude of 2262 m above sea level.
• The deep view in the south of the mountain goes 1800 m down to the deep blue Lake Walen
• At Chäserrugg you have a view of about 500 mountain peaks in 6 countries
• 5 beautifully designed theme trails are suitable for the whole family
• In the skiing area Chäserrugg - Unterwasser/Alt St. Johann 50 km of ski slopes are prepared
• Local materials and natural building methods characterize the world-class architecture of Herzog & de Meuron
• Several barbecue areas, several children's playgrounds and mountain restaurants offer space for experiences
• Toggenburg Bergbahnen and Chäserrugg were awarded Landscape of the Year 2021 as pioneers for building culture and charm in mountain tourism
• Winter sports are just as suitable for families with children as for carvers, freeriders and freestylers
• 6 cable cars and chair lifts of the Toggenburg Bergbahnen connect the individual areas of the Chäserrugg. In winter, additional ski lifts are used.

The Chäserrugg is excellent for sporty active visitors as well as for families. Hikers will find benches to enjoy the panoramas and barbecue areas all over the mountain

The mountain is well accessible by cable cars and offers in winter a large winter sports area with 50 km of ski slopes. 80% of the slopes are red slopes and therefore designed for medium difficulty. For children you will find at least 7 practice areas with and without professional help. The ski resort is considered particularly family-friendly.

Sights at Chäserrugg

The sights at Chäserrugg include on the one hand the wonderful nature in Toggenburg. Not only the seven Churfirsten are a popular photo motif. On the other hand, the area is characterized by a unique architecture that fits into the nature.

Basel architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron founded the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron in 1978. From 2014 to 2015, they built the summit building on Chäserrugg with mountain station and restaurant at 2262 m a.s.l. The work was awarded the "Hare in Bronze" architecture prize in 2015. in 2018, it was joined by the "Prix Lignum".

Summit building on the Chäserrugg

The summit building at Chäserrugg fits perfectly into the landscape of the mountain. The architecture emphasizes the silhouette of the Churfirsten in a special way. For the construction, the architects used 2000 m³ of Swiss spruce and fir wood. The building can even withstand winds of 200 km/h. Functionality and aesthetics form a symbiosis here.

Inside, the wood is untreated. A freestanding fireplace has an important role in the bright, wide and spacious room. Similar to traditional farmhouses, fire and warmth play a central role. Lamps hang from the ceiling like jackdaws and the breathtaking view is integrated into the architecture as a matter of course

Installations of the Stöfeli Railway at Chäserrugg

The facilities of the Stöfeli Bahn were also redesigned in 2015 by the architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. The uniqueness lies in the fact that the peculiarities of the mountain are cleverly incorporated into the installations

This makes the experience during the activities on the mountain particularly authentic. The architects have deliberately dispensed with advertising and any panels. The buildings blend in perfectly with the mountain

The Espel Pavilion at the valley station of the Stöfeli cable car was also planned by the two star architects.

Rosenboden Plateau Flower Path

The plateau offers a cozy circular hiking trail. It starts at the summit building and leads across a barren plateau to the Rosenböden and back. It can be used year-round. Winter-resistant benches with the best panoramic views are set up everywhere.

The well-maintained path is about 3 km long and can be walked in 1 hour and 10 minutes. Only 60 meters of elevation gain are overcome over its entire length.

Toggenburg Sound Trail

The Toggenburg Sound Trail is a unique experience path. Along the way, you'll find 26 sound installations that you can play on. You can make the water bounce with a sound or drum on the “Waldweld.” At the “Brunnenstubete,” you listen to the lifelines of the Earth.

The starting point of the sound trail is Alp Sellamatt. The experience path leads in 2 stages over Iltios to the Oberdorf. You can reach the path very comfortably with the cable cars.

Overview of All Thematic Trails at Chäserrugg

At Chäserrugg, you'll find more interesting and entertaining thematic trails. Here’s an overview:

Thematic Trails at Chäserrugg

Name	Length (km)	Elevation (m)	Time (min)	Difficulty	Description	Location
Flower Path	3	60	45-120	easy (T1)	Alpine garden with glass panels	Chäserrugg Circular Path
Sound Path 1	2.5	40	60-90	easy (T1)	Toggenburg sound installations	From Alp Sellamatt to Iltios
Sound Path 2	3.5	120	180-210	easy (T1)	Toggenburg sound installations	From Iltios to Oberdorf
Legend Trail	6.5 or 12	250	120-210	easy (T1)	12 wooden panels with pictures and texts	Alp Sellamatt Circular Path possibly including a cave
Following the Wildmannli Trails	12	250	210	easy (T1)	Karst cave at the foot of Seluns	Alp Sellamatt Circular Path

Mountain Railways at Chäserrugg

The most commonly used mountain railways at Chäserrugg are the cogwheel railway to Iltios and the cable car to Chäserrugg. The combination lifts between Alt St. Johann and Alp Sellamatt are also popular.

The cable car to Stöfeli operates on the day of the Alp service and can be used for groups on other days. The Ruestel chairlift operates exclusively in winter.

Offer at Swiss Activities

• Chäserrugg Ticket Cable Car from Alt St. Johann

Toggenburg Mountain Railways Overview

Key data for the most important Toggenburg mountain railways:

|Toggenburg Mountain Railway|Type|Travel Time (min)|Altitude Base Station (m above sea level)|Altitude Mountain Station (m above sea level)|

|------------------|----------|:-------: |:-------: |:---------: | |Unterwasser - Iltios|100-capacity cogwheel railway|5:30|911|1339| |Iltios - Chäserrugg|80-capacity cable car|6:20|1339|2262| |Alt St. Johann - Alp Sellamatt|Combination 4-seat chairlift/4-seat gondola|9:10|900|1401| |Espel - Stöfeli|Gondola|5:20|1262|1680| |Stöfeli - Chäserrugg|Gondola|3:50|1680|2078| |Ruestel|4-seat chairlift|4:40|1430|1728|

Activities and experiences at Chäserrugg

The Chäserrugg offers various possibilities in summer and winter. Right at the mountain restaurant Iltios you will find a playground. Countless barbecue areas, further playgrounds and mountain restaurants provide the necessary extra for mountain adventures with the whole family.

The most popular activities at Chäserrugg include:

• Hiking on the Chäserrugg
• Skiing area: skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing
• Sledging at the Stöfeli
• Winter hiking and snowshoeing

Hiking on the Chäserrugg

Hiking is possible in all facets on the Chäserrugg. From the leisurely walk to the themed trails to strenuous mountain hikes, everything is possible.

Some of the countless hiking trails are:

Kaiser Route over the 7 Churfirsten

The Kaiser Route is a challenge. Almost 30 km distance and 3600 meters of altitude must be overcome. This is only something for very experienced mountain hikers with excellent physical condition. Early in the morning you start in Starkenbach (890 m) to climb all 7 Churfirsten. At Chäserrugg you will reach the finish and receive the well-deserved "Kaiserroute Finisher Glass".

Frümseltal

The goal and highlight of this hike is the viewpoint at the end of the valley. Here, you get a view that drops 1600 m down to Lake Walen. The tour is well-suited for occasional mountain hikers. It's a pleasant 11 km long and has less than 900 meters of elevation gain.

Worthwhile "Detour" over Hinterrugg

This "detour" isn't the easiest to walk, but it's definitely worth it. On the way from Alp Sellamatt to Chäserrugg, you don't go directly to Gluristal. Instead, you turn at Unterruestel towards Oberruestel and Hinterlücheren. The highlight of this detour is the view during the steep ascent to Hinterrugg. However, you can only take this path after a longer dry period as it becomes too slippery otherwise. The untouched Gluristal is also stunning.

Classic Route to Chäserrugg

This trail is a popular choice and thus the classic among the hiking trails at Chäserrugg. The first part of the route is covered by the funicular from Unterwasser to Iltios. This way, you've already conquered 400 meters of elevation gain. You've saved your strength for the upcoming stair-like rock formations leading upwards.

Morning Route

This early morning hike starts at Alp Iltios and takes you southeast over the Espel. A highlight along the way is a vast gravel field. This hike shines with the morning sun and particularly beautiful views.

Hinterrugg: from Peak to Peak

A short stretch from one Churfirst to another leads from the summit of Chäserrugg to Hinterrugg. The hike only takes 20 minutes, but it should not be underestimated. You need sure-footedness since parts of the path are often slippery.

Comparison of Hikes at Chäserrugg

Name	Length (km)	Elevation Gain (hm)	Time (hrs)	Difficulty	Start	End
Kaiserroute	30	3600	12:00	Alpine Hiking (T4)	Starkenbach	Chäserrugg
Frümseltal	11	875	4:30	medium (T2)	Alp Sellamatt	Iltios
"Detour" over Hinterrugg	6.5	916	3:30	medium (T2)	Alp Sellamatt	Chäserrugg
Classic	6	916	3:00	medium (T2)	Iltios	Chäserrugg
Morning Route	7.5	912	3:30	medium (T2)	Iltios	Chäserrugg
From Peak to Peak	1.5	44	0:20	medium (T2)	Chäserrugg	Hinterrugg

Chäserrugg Ski Area – Unterwasser/​Alt St. Johann (Toggenburg)

The Chäserrugg ski area features a total of 50 km of slopes for skiing and snowboarding. It stretches from an elevation of 900 m above sea level to 2262 m above sea level and connects the winter sports resorts of Alt St. Johann and Unterwasser.

A total of 12 lifts transport guests over a distance of 13.4 km. The fun park is open for freestylers. The winter season usually begins at the end of November and lasts until mid-April.

Slopes in the Chäserrugg Ski Area

Slope Type	Length (km)	Difficulty
Skiing and Snowboarding	8	blue (easy)
Skiing and Snowboarding	40	red (medium)
Skiing and Snowboarding	2	black (hard)
Ski Routes	2	for freeriders
Sledging Track	6	suitable for families

Night skiing takes place from the end of December to the end of February on Fridays from 18:30 to 21:30.

Skiing for children

On the Iltios and in Alt St. Johann there is the children's land of the ski school. The entire ski area is considered particularly family-friendly.

• Kinderland Iltios: can be used with child care and professional help or without ski school, Iltios, 50 m length, 10 m difference in height
• Children's area Alt St Johann:** can be used with child care and professional help or without ski school, Alt St Johann, 200 m long, 30 m difference in altitude
• Iltios Park: big jumps at the practice lift, practice lift top station and Iltios, 550 m length, 100 m height difference
• Ruestel Cross:** steep wall curves, wild waves and deep hollows, Ruestel to Sellamatt, 1.8 km length, 300 m difference in altitude Waldweg: ride through the snowy fairy tale forest, Stöfeli to Iltios, 2.7km length, 360 m height difference
• Schwendi Piste: over easy terrain to Espel, Iltios to Unterwasser, 3.6 km length, 440 m altitude difference
• Snowli Camp: Every Saturday and Sunday you have the possibility to take a 2-hour beginner course for your children (from 3 years). It takes place in the morning or in the afternoon. The level ranges from Snowgarden to Red Prince.

Cross-country skiing at Chäserrugg

For cross-country skiing you will find a beautiful trail over the length of 15 km. It runs from Sellamatt to Thurtalerstofel and back. The difference in altitude is 170 km

Attention, this cross-country trail is partly also used by skaters and winter hikers

Rental of winter sports equipment

In the sports stores on the Iltios and in Alt St. Johann you can rent what you need for your winter vacation. This way you save yourself the trouble of taking all the equipment with you. You can also buy missing winter clothes here

Inside the sports store on the Iltios you will find a test center of the Völkl brand. You can rent and test the latest models here.

Sledding at the Stöfeli

From the middle station of the Stöfeli cable car the toboggan run runs via Iltios and Espel to Unterwasser. This mountain route is rather racy and intended for experienced sledders. The total distance to Unterwasser is 5.9 km.

A quieter toboggan run starts at Ilios and leads over 3.6 km down to Unterwasser. It is also suitable for families and runs down to the valley station along the Schwendi slope.

You can rent sledges at the Sport Shop on the Iltios.

season: December to April

Winter hiking and snowshoeing at Chäserrugg

Clear air and a good view of the Alps: Why not take the Rosenboden circular trail in winter? The winter trails are always well prepared on Chäserrugg.

Panorama circular trail Rosenboden

The pleasantly flat circular trail at more than 2200 m above sea level offers snow-covered mountain ranges that seem to be very close. More than 500 peaks in 6 countries (Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Liechtenstein) are particularly visible in winter. The circular trail is also easily walkable by children

Churfirsten Panorama Trail

This panorama trail starts at 1400 m above sea level and offers a first-class view of the seven Churfirsten. The path runs from the alp Sellamatt - Zinggen - Thurtalerstofel - Iltios through traditional and authentic scattered settlements of the alp.

High trail Iltios

This pleasant hike leads through the snow-covered spruce forest with plenty of sunlight in the clearings. The short path at an altitude of 1400 m above sea level is easily walkable for the whole family.

Snowshoe trail

The prepared trail for snowshoe hiking runs from the alp Sellamatt via Mittelstofel to Zinggen. You hike over open snow fields and through the snow-covered fir forest.

Comparison of Winter Hikes at Chäserrugg

Name	Length (km)	Elevation Gain (m)	Time (hrs)	Difficulty	Start	End
Panorama Rosenboden	3	60	0:45 - 2:00	easy (T1)	Chäserrugg	Chäserrugg
Churfirsten Panorama	12	250	2:00	easy (T1)	Alp Sellamatt	Iltios
Höhenweg Iltios	2.5	40	1:00	easy (T1)	Alp Sellamatt	Iltios
Snowshoeing	12	250	0:45 - 2:00	easy (WT1)	Alp Sellamatt	Zinggen

Events at Chäserrugg

Throughout the year you will always find interesting events in which you can participate. Not all of them are repeated regularly. Here we give you a selection of events that take place at Chäserrugg.

• March: NostalSki race Toggenburg: With skis made of edged wood, wooden skis without edges, barrel staves or metal skis and snowboards up to the year 1989, nostalgic skiers in the appropriate clothing take part in the ski race. The nostalgic skiing has so far been started at different starting points, most recently at slope number 6 (Skischulrun Iltios).
• March: Espel Music: On some Saturdays in March, the country music trio Peter & Peter performs traditional music at the Espel Pavilion. Spring sun, music and Toggenburg tarte flambée, a good mix
• June: Alpaufzug: Accompanied by several farming families, the animals are escorted to the lush meadows Alp Sellamatt. This alp is the largest alp in eastern Switzerland. This day is an opportunity to experience traditional alpine culture up close.
• July: Starry Night at 2262 m above sea level: On the summit of Chäserrugg astronomers explain the world of stars. Before that you have the possibility to have a good dinner in the summit restaurant. The mountain railroads go up every 30 min until 19:30. Downhill trips are also made every 30 min between 23:00 - 01:00. There is a possibility to stay overnight in the mountain guesthouse at Stöfeli
• August: Federal celebration on the Chäserrugg: On this day, the mountain railroads run from 5:00 am (every 30 min), so you can enjoy the sunrise. Afterwards you can enjoy various activities on the mountain. You can combine breakfast, lunch or dinner with Toggenburg specialties. Return trip is possible until 23:30 with the mountain railroad.
• August: Alpine service at Stöfeli: Every year once a traditional alpine service takes place at 11:00 am at the mountain guesthouse Stöfeli. Alphorn players and the yodel club Thurtal provide the appropriate background music. From Unterwasser you first take the funicular up to Iltios. A 20-minute walk then takes you to the valley station of the 10-seater gondola lift, which takes you to Berghaus Stöfeli.
• September: Toggenburg Mountain Market on the Iltios: Bread, meat and cheese from the region are sold at various stalls. In the mountain restaurant there is a special mountain market menu to match. You can reach the market directly from Unterwasser by funicular or by chairlift from Alt St. Johann to Alp Sellamatt incl. a short hike up to Iltios
• September: Chäserrugg mountain run: On a length of 8.1 km a proud 1352 meters of altitude are overcome. A maximum of 200 starting places ensure that it will not be too crowded on the route Unterwasser - Iltios - Stöfeli - Chäserrugg. The race will run from 9:30 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m., with the award ceremony at 1 p.m

Mountain huts, ski bars and restaurants on Chäserrugg

You can experience traditional dishes from the Toggenburg on the Chäserrugg in modern and award-winning wooden architecture

Chäserrugg summit restaurant

Untreated wood was used in the summit restaurant, and old Toggenburg craftsmanship traditions were also incorporated here. The summit restaurant is not only a restaurant, it has also become a popular event location on the Chäserrugg. Whether sunrise with breakfast, brunch, full moon dinner, starry night on the Chäserrugg or readings in small groups: the offer is very varied.

In the restaurant, local specialties are made from mainly regional ingredients. But culinary novelties are also tried out. The restaurant is not only cozy and attractively furnished, it also offers a wonderful view through large glass windows out into nature and the surrounding mountains. More than 500 peaks are said to be visible from here. The summit restaurant is located at 2262 m above sea level.

In addition to the serviced parlor, there is a hall and an outdoor terrace around the building

Open: 08:45 - 17:00 (different opening hours for events)

Suitable for: Hikers and other active visitors, connoisseurs of modern architecture, children and persons with reduced mobility

Iltios Mountain Restaurant

The mountain restaurant Iltios stands on a plateau at 1339 meters above sea level. It is a popular place to stop for a break on the way to the summit of the Chäserrugg. Here is a junction of hiking trails and winter ski slopes

Traditional and down-to-earth dishes are offered in the restaurant and on the sun terrace. The view goes to the Alpstein and the Churfirsten.

At the restaurant there is a children's playground and the gathering place of the ski school with the children's land

Suitable for: all active visitors, children and people with reduced mobility

Stöfeli mountain inn

At the Stöfeli mountain inn you can enjoy a direct view of the Churfirsten. It is located at 1662 m above sea level and can be reached by cable car from Espel. The special thing here is that you can often observe whole groups of chamois in the rocks.

Here you will find peace and relaxation. For group excursions of several days, the mountain inn Stöfeli is wonderfully suitable thanks to its group rooms.

the mountain guesthouse Stöfeli is wonderfully suitable for a tobogganing fun

Climate and Weather at Chäserrugg

At Chäserrugg, the weather is mild and pleasant in the summer. From June to August, average temperatures can rise above 25 °C. In winter, between December and February, there are days when temperatures drop below -10 °C. The wind can reach speeds of over 28 km/h during winter, usually coming from the south-southeast.

Often, you can escape the fog that hangs over the valley. On the mountain, the sun shines, allowing you to look down upon the sea of fog, with mountains eerily rising from it.

Be aware that weather changes can happen quickly at the mountain. When hiking, make sure to wear hiking boots and windbreakers. In summer, you should be prepared for intense sunlight.

Location and Getting to Chäserrugg

Chäserrugg is located northeast of the Lake Walensee. It's the westernmost of the seven Churfirsten, which are prominently visible from the A3 highway, becoming a landmark for the region.

By Car

From Zurich, you can reach the Toggenburg cable cars in about 1.5 hours by car. Start on the A1 heading towards St. Gallen and take the exit at Wil to Route 16 towards Wattwil and Vaduz. The valley stations of the cable cars are on your right side.

The best route from the Lake Constance area is via the A13 towards Chur, taking the exit at Haag (Exit 7) onto Route 16. This takes less than an hour.

From Chur, take the A13 to Haag and then turn onto Route 16. The Toggenburg can also be reached from Chur in under an hour.

At the valley stations in Alt St. Johann (Ochsenwies 418) and Unterwasser (Früeweidstrasse 8), you will find plenty of free parking available.

By Public Transport

From Zurich, it's best to take the express train of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) to Wil. In Wil and Nesslau, transfer to the PostBus 790.

With the train from the Swiss South East Railway, you can travel from St. Gallen to Wattwil or Nesslau. There, change to PostBus Line 790, which takes you directly to Alt St. Johann, Dorf. From there, it's another 280 meters to the valley station of the Sellamattbahn. For the Iltios/Chäserrugg cable car valley station, continue two stops to Unterwasser, Post stop. From there, it's also another 280 m to the valley station.

As you can see, Chäserrugg, the most powerful of the seven Churfirsten, is easily accessible by cable cars. Not only is the view down worthwhile, but the Toggenburg is also ideal for unforgettable mountain experiences all year round.