Wildhaus – Zwinglipass (2011m) – Altmannsattel (2367m) – Rotsteinpass (2122m) – Lisengrat – Wildhaus

This hike is truly stunning. And you’ll have a bit of an adventure. And it is long. But if you are up for it and have a head for the heights on the Lisengrat, you will have an absolutely amazing day in Alpstein.

Start in Wildhaus, where you find plenty of room for parking. You can also reach Wildhaus by bus. From the village, make your way up Flüretobel. You will be walking up a steep, narrow gorge which is guaranteed to be in the shadow, but that can be very nice on a hot summers day.

Eventually you will came out into the sunshine. Now head right through some lovely meadows toward Teselalp, which is beautiful! At the alp you can buy milk, cheese and cool drinks.

After the alp, turn left and started the long climb to the next hut – the Zwinglipasshuette (2000m). The views are now really starting to open up. Soon you will be able to see the very impressive peaks of the Churfirsten.

It is now not far to the perfectly positioned Zwinglipasshuette. This hut was recently extended. So there are now even more places to stay overnight.

Although slightly off route, make sure to walk the 5 minutes to the Zwinglipass (2010m) – it is worth it! There are great views to Fählensee down below.

From the Zwinglipass it is now steep uphill towards Altmann (2435m). It is possible to scramble up to the top of Altmann, but the climb is exposed and there are no wires to hang on to. You  should not undertake this if it’s wet, icy and if you are not really confident and experienced. This really is a climb with a bit of a risk.

For this hike, bypass Altmann but make sure to walk the 10 minutes over to the Altmannsattel (2367m). You will have some really amazing views from here get a good impression of the beauty of Alpstein.

Next, head down to the Rotsteinpass (2119m). The path down is steep and great care is needed, but there are plenty of secure wires to help. You need little bit a head for height along here though.

The Berggasthaus Rotsteinpass at the pass would be another great place to overnight. You have some simply wonderful views from here. If staying overnight, you might see some Chamois or Alpine ibex during twilight.

From Rotsteinpass you could head directly back down to Wildhaus. But the views up here are incredible so it would be a shame to turn back already. Instead, head further along the ridge towards Lisengrat.

The Lisengrat ridge is amazing. It is fully secured, but steep and exposed. If you feel comfortable using wires, then you will have no problems. This is an absolutely amazing section of the hike. And if you take the time, you will have some spectacular photos to take home.

On the other side, when you reach Chalbersäntis (2362m), start heading back down to Wildhaus. It would only be another 45 minutes up to Saentis, so this is an option to stay overnight. For a one day hike though, it’s time to turn around and save Saentis for another day.

Turn left from the ridge. It is a long and steep way down this slope, so a bit of work still to do. You will pass the Berggasthaus Schafboden on the way down. If you would like a very rural overnight stay in the Alpstein, then this could be the ideal place.

You will have another 1.5 hours of walking back to Wildhaus from Schafboden. It’s a long days hike which can easily broken into smaller sections by staying in any of the huts. But you’ll enjoy a truly wonderful hike!