Schwägalp – Hinderfallenchopf (1531m) – Ennetbühl

This is a relatively short walk up Hinderfallenchopf, but the views are amazing. And you have a chance to extend it by making a detour into Ofenloch, a spectacular waterfall and gorge that makes up the source of the river Necker.

Start at Schwägalp Passhöhe, where there is plenty of parking and a bus stop a little up the road. Turn north, off the road, where a path leads into the woods. Make sure to turn back and have a look towards Schwägalp and Säntis, before entering the woods.

Now the walk leads through the woods for quite a while, always staying fairly even. While there may be the occasional hiker on the way to Ofenloch, you will have a relatively quiet walk along to enjoy. Keep making your way through the woods until you eventually cross a little stream and step out of the trees. Shortly after you will get to a junction, where you turn left and then right again.

Now it’s uphill to Chopfberg. On the way you will have lovely views of Alpstein and Toggenberg. It’s a very easy uphill, so you are free to enjoy the views.

On the other side of Chopfberg it’s downhill again to Ellbogen, where you come to a junction by a hut. Continue straight past the hut and now it’s uphill again towards Hinderfallenchopf.

The way up Hinderfallenchopf has a few more height meters but nothing too exhausting. More great views ensued and then you will be on the top. Admittedly, the top of Hinderfallenchopf is a bit bare – there is no cross anywhere, just a sign post, but that’s not what one comes up here for. The views are absolutely lovely. Look across Appenzellerland on one side and towards Alpstein and Toggenburg on the other and you will find that it was well worth the effort to come here.

Now turn into the small path opposite from where you came up and then it’s downhill towards Ennetbühl. The small path leads downhill, towards a farmhouse, where it turns onto a gravel road. Follow the road along until the next farmhouse, where it turns sharp left. It then leads downhill through flower filled fields into Hinterschlatt.

In Hinterschlatt you will get onto a small, quiet road again. It takes you all the way through Laui and Halden into Ennetbühl. A wonderful end to a hike as you will be passing some beautiful little villages.

From Ennetbühl you can take the bus back to Schwägalp Passhöhe.