Starkenbach – Vorderhöhi – Stein – Starkenbach

This hike starts at the valley station of the Starkenbach gondola station where you have a choice. You can either ride in the unique gondola (and it really is unique) or hike up the 670 height meters to the top station.

If you are feeling fit and choose to walk up, there are plenty of reasons to take a break and and enjoy the views.

Regardless of how you get to the top station, facing away from the top station turn right (south west) and head along the Toggenburger Höhenweg (marked as route 48).

After 30 minutes or so of easy hiking along a broad, undulating track you’ll reach the Ochsenhuütte.

It’s only a small hut, but beautifully rustic. You’ll find food and drink and can even spend the night here for a real alpine hut experience.

Moving on from the Ochsenhütte you’ll pass a few more huts with lovely views across Toggenburg.

After another 45 minutes the path head steeper downhill with a wire to use if needed (it’s really not too steep).

Shortly after the steep section you’ll pass a path leading off to the left which would lead over the Churfirsten to the Walensee – but rather carry on along route 48. Shortly after there’s another steepish section (also with a wire to use if needed) – but it’s also not too bad.

The path will now swing right and head in a more northerly direction. You’ll pass along the top of the head of a valley where make sure to look down to see some pretty impressive erosion.

The path continues and heads toward the Flügespitz where you can nip up and down to this peak in 10 minutes if you like. After this continue further along route 48 still heading north – there are wonderful views into the Toggenburg valley to the right.

This is a lovely section though woods, meadows and marsh land. You’ll soon reach the huts at Vorderhöhi. Here, leave route 48 and turn onto route 5. This route heads steadily downhill back into the Toggenburg valley.

It’s a pretty route with lovely meadows and woods to pass through.

After an hour or so, you’ll join and follow the river with it’s quite impressive steps.

Eventually the path turns sharp left away from the river and then right to head into the village of Stein.

Now walk through the very small village, crossing the main road and river and turn right to head back towards Starkenbach on route 24.

You’ll follow the river for around 45 minutes to an hour and then finally arrive back in Starkenbach.