Mountain walk with unequalled panoramas. High above the tree line, an extensive mountain path passes through an ever-changing alpine landscape. Main features are 5 crystal-clear mountain lakes and views over the UNESCO site of Sardona.
Mountain walk with unequalled panoramas. High above the tree line, an extensive mountain path passes through an ever-changing alpine landscape. Main features are 5 crystal-clear mountain lakes and views over the UNESCO site of Sardona.
From Wangs, the Pizol railway travels, in three sections, to the Pizolhütte (2227m) on the Wangersee. During the climb that lasts roughly one hour, a broad view opens up over the East Swiss, Grison and Austrian Alps. From behind the Wildseelücke (2493m above sea level), the Wildsee appears. Enjoy encaptivating views of the Pizol glavier, with the 2844m high Pizol summit and the Graue Hörner.
This is followed by a brief descent to the deep-blue Schottensee. On the gentle rise over the Schwarzplangg, the view extends back over the Sardona heritage site, with the Pizol glacier, Ringelspitz, Piz Sardona and Glarus Alps. You now descend to the dark Scharzsee (2368m), where ibex, chamois and eagles can be seen.
Passing the legendary Steinmannlis, you reach the final descent over the east face of the Gamidaur, which leads to the fifth and final lake, the green Baschalvasee (2174m). Next is the descent to Station Gaffia; the mountain railway returns to Wangs in two sections from here
Note(s) - Alpine tour: Snow possible up to early July, bring good mountain equipment. - Round-trip ticket for the 5-lake walk available from Pizol railway.
See also Heidiland Tourismus AG Infostelle Bad Ragaz Am Platz 1 CH - 7310 Bad Ragaz Tel: +41 (0)81 300 40 20 Fax: +41 (0)81 300 40 21 E-Mail: spavillage@heidiland.com Internet: www.heidiland.com
Pizolbahnen AG Matells CH-7310 Bad Ragaz Wetter (Infoline): +41 (0)81 300 48 20 INFO, KASSE: +41 (0)81 300 48 30 Fax: +41 (0)81 300 48 31 E-Mail: info@pizol.com Internet: www.pizol.com
Hidden Gem
Book a picnic rucksack with regional delicacies via the Pizolbahnen.
Safety Note
We strongly recommend starting the hike by 11:00 am at the latest. Please note that you must be at the Gaffia chairlift at 4.30 pm or at the Pizolhütte at 4.00 pm, otherwise you will miss the last descent. The last descent with the gondola lift from Furt is at 5.30 pm. After that, transportation by Pizolbahnen AG is no longer possible.
Herd protection dogs are expected to be on duty on the Gaffara Alp during the first two weeks of August. The dogs will be kept on a lead in the morning and only allowed back to the sheep in the evening. This means that there is no risk to hikers during the day. If anyone is in the vicinity of the alp early in the morning, late in the evening or at night, caution is advised (e.g. when bivouacking).
Equipment
Day hiking backpack (approx. 20 liters) with rain cover, sturdy and comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate and hard-wearing clothing in multiple layers, telescopic poles if necessary, sun and rain protection, provisions and drinking water, first aid kit, pocket knife, cell phone, headlamp if necessary, maps
Directions
With gondola and chair lifts we reach the Pizolhütte. From there we start the hike towards Wangsersee, the first lake of the hike. We return along the same path, past the Pizolhütte and towards Wildseeluggen, where we arrive after an almost 1-hour zigzag ascent. We hike along the Wildsee and after a short descent reach the deep blue Schottensee. This is followed by a comfortably ascending passage over the Schwarzplangg. The descent continues down to the dark Schwarzsee, where rock deer, chamois and occasionally eagles can be observed. Passing the legendary Steinmannlis on the high plateau, we reach the last descent over the eastern flank of the Gamidaur, which leads to the fifth and last lake, the green Baschalvasee. This is followed by the descent to the Gaffia station.
Directions
Public Transport
By train to Sargans and from there by bus to the bus stop Wangs, Pizolbahn directly at the Wangs valley station of the Pizolbahnen. Take the gondola lift to the Furt mountain station and continue with two chairlifts to the Pizolhütte mountain station.
Travel Information
Take the Sargans freeway exit, then follow the signs to the valley station of the Pizolbahnen. Park your car there. From there take the gondola lift and then the chairlifts to the Pizolhütte.
From Maienberg uphill there is a strict ban on driving! Passage by car or other motorized vehicles is not possible! There are no public parking spaces in Maienberg. For this reason it is mandatory to park at the valley station in Wangs.
Parking
Public parking available at the valley station in Wangs (CHF 5.00 / day).
