Gams – Gamserberg – Wildhaus – Summerigweid – Gams

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This is a charming hike starting from Gams leading to Wildhaus in Toggenburg crossing numerous beautiful meadows under the southern end of the wonderful Alpstein mountain range.

This is a circular hike starting from Gams in St Gallen (north-east Switzerland).

Time
6 hours
Distance
19.0 km
Difficulty
2
Ascent
960 m
Descent
960 m
Highest elevation
1310 m
Lowest elevation
483 m

Time of year: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Tags: Circular hike, Public transport, Suitable for families, Food en-route, Accommodation en-route, Ice-cream at end of hike, Can be shortened

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Hiked by us on: 6th May 2018

Our original plans for today to hike in Appenzellerland had to be quickly changed – it was beautiful weather in all of Switzerland – except Appenzellerland! So we decided to complete another section of the Rhein valley high path – this time from Gams to Wildhaus in north-east Switzerland – it was a perfect alternative.

We started in the village of Gams, passed the church and were quickly crossing the beautiful springtime meadows.

Crossing meadows with the Alpstein mountain range in front of us
Crossing meadows with the Alpstein mountain range in front of us

We had great views to the southern end of the Alpstein mountain range in front of us and stunning views across the Rhine valley and the alps behind us.

The alpine area of Alvier
The alpine area of Alvier

There are also numerous cute alpine farmhouses…

After an hour or so, the path follows the old road between Gams and Wildhaus – from 1830. It’s of course no longer a road -it’s now a charming path. The further along we walked, the greater the views of the Toggenburg mountains.

Views of Toggenberg above Wildhaus
Views of Toggenberg above Wildhaus

We then arrived in the popular skiing / hiking town of Wildhaus after 3-4 hours. It is possible to end the hike here and take a Swiss Postbus back to Gams – or there are plenty of restaurants to refuel and return to Gam on foot. We decided on the latter and took a different, but equally beautiful path back.

We passed by Schönenboden (with its lake for swimming if you fancy a dip). The views are still fantastic – meadows filled with dandelions and buttercups.

Buttercup filled meadows above Wildhaus
Buttercup filled meadows above Wildhaus

We then arrived back in Gams – a simple but beautiful hike.

Please wait a moment while we get the maps!
Wildhaus

Wildhaus

(Town)

Nestled between the mighty Säntis massif and the seven Churfirsten peaks, the resorts of Alt St. Johann, Unterwasser and Wildhaus are among the highest-lying municipalities in Toggenburg. Some lovely restaurants and guesthouses overlooking the surrounding mountains.

We could not find any webcams in the area close to this hike.

If you need a day off from hiking, below are some of the great things you can do within 30 km from the start of this hike.

Werdenberg

Werdenberg

(4.2 km away)

800 years of history and the smallest city in Switzerland - beautifully preserved places to visit

Badi Schönenbodensee, Wildhaus

Badi Schönenbodensee, Wildhaus

(5.8 km away)

Beautiful small lake for swimming above Wildhaus below the Alpstein

Walenstadt lakeside beach

Walenstadt lakeside beach

(13.6 km away)

Large grassy swimming area with wonderful views of the surrounding mountains

Appenzell outdoor pool

Appenzell outdoor pool

(13.7 km away)

Great outdoor pool in the shadow of the Alpstein mountain range

Appenzell town

Appenzell town

(14.3 km away)

Wonderful historic picturesque town at the foot of the Alpstein mountain range

Kobelwald crystal caves

Kobelwald crystal caves

(14.8 km away)

Fascinating underground caves - worth a visit in any weather

Kronberg Alpine park

Kronberg Alpine park

(15.4 km away)

Alpine "park" with summer sledge run and rope park - fun for all!

Hot-pot Appenzellerland

Hot-pot Appenzellerland

(17.1 km away)

Relax in a a unique hot-tub surrounded by Appenzeller hills and mountains

Sargans castle

Sargans castle

(17.2 km away)

900 year old castle full of history (and a restaurant)

Gais outdoor pool

Gais outdoor pool

(18.4 km away)

Small quiet outdoor pool in Appenzellerland

Flaesch village

Flaesch village

(20.5 km away)

A beautiful small village renowned for its wine growing and opportunities to buy local wine.

Götzis outdoor pool

Götzis outdoor pool

(21.4 km away)

Beautiful area for enjoying the sun and a relaxing swim

St Luzisteig military museum

St Luzisteig military museum

(22.5 km away)

The eventful history and history of Luzisteig dates back to the 15th century.

Tamina thermal baths

Tamina thermal baths

(23.2 km away)

Exclusive wellness center, treat yourself!

Laterns summer sledge run

Laterns summer sledge run

(23.5 km away)

Sledging in the summer on the Laterns Sommerrodelbahn

Alvier outdoor pool

Alvier outdoor pool

(25.2 km away)

A beautiful natural outdoor pool filled by drinking water standard water

Lago Mio

Lago Mio

(25.4 km away)

Lovely little swimming area on the banks of the Walensee close to Weesen

Badestrand am Rohr

Badestrand am Rohr

(27.1 km away)

Relax and swim in the lake which is the old Rhine

Heiden Schwimmbad

Heiden Schwimmbad

(27.4 km away)

A lovely outdoor pool with large grassy areas on which to relax.

Berneck outdoor pool

Berneck outdoor pool

(27.4 km away)

Wonderful, quiet outdoor pool with lots of grassy areas. Perfect place to relax

Milka chocolate factory

Milka chocolate factory

(28.7 km away)

Immerse yourself in the exciting discovery of the Milka chocolate world and enjoy pure adventure shopping!!

Lichtensteig outdoor pool

Lichtensteig outdoor pool

(29.8 km away)

Wonderful relaxing pool in the Toggenburg region

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