Kunkelspass in the World Heritage Site Sardona

The Kunkelspass (1357 m.a.s.l.) connects Vättis with Tamins. The lovely plateau presents itself like an arena, surrounded by the mountains of Calanda (2805 m.a.s.l.), Crap Mats (2947 m.a.s.l.) and Ringelspitz (3247 m.a.s.l.), the highest mountain in St.Gallen, located in the Sardona Tectonic Arena.

An easy hike leads from Vättis (943 m.a.s.l.) to the Kunkelspass. Along the bubbling Görbsbach stream, the trail leads gently uphill through meadows and forest sections to Unter Kunkels (1073 m.a.s.l.). What a feast for the eyes, especially in early summer when the alpine flora comes to life! The Haldensteiner and Felsberger Calanda with their rugged limestone formations tower above the left side of the valley. As the path becomes a little steeper, you approach the Eggwald mountain restaurant in Ober Kunkels (1148 m above sea level). For leisurely hikers, the pretty restaurant takes over the 'autopilot' and you head straight for the garden restaurant. But it's not far to Kunkelspasshöhe (1357 m above sea level) either.

Kunkelspass as a destination or stopover

In the Überuf mountain restaurant, you can linger on the garden terrace or in the wood-burning stove-warmed dining room. Next door is a seminar room with information about the UNESCO World Heritage Tectonic Arena Sardona. Kunkels is proud to be the eastern entrance to this geological wonderland. A telescope offers the opportunity to take a close look at the Ringelspitz and the Glarus thrust fault or the Tamins landslide. Sometimes at the bottom of the sea, then again under 800 meters of glacial ice - the history of the earth also offers plenty of variety for Kunkels.

The shortest way down into the valley is via a small road built during the First World War to Tamins (660 m above sea level). The view from the tunnel blasted into the rock is spectacular. If you want to continue uphill, climb via Grossalp to the SAC-Ringelspitzhütte (1998 m.a.s.l.). The hospitable hut offers a panoramic view from the eastern balcony of the Tectonic Arena Sardona.