Walenstadt - Walenstadtberg
I hiked this hike on the 5th of February, 2024. Walenstadt is very easy to reach by train from Zürich and I have been in this area multiple times, hiking different routes. It is one of my favourite areas when it comes to off-season hiking, as it is often snow free and has sun all day long.
Full route: Swisstopo
Coming out of the train in Walenstadt, you immediately see the tall moutain wall and peaks of Churfirsten which is really impressive. I walked through the town and to the lakeside of Walensee, before starting the ascent up towards Walenstadtberg.
As it was February most trees were without leaves but the first spring flowers had started to come through the soil and because of the weather, it very much felt like an early spring day.
As I came up to Walenstadtberg, I turned off towards a trail where I could climb for a while and get nice views down towards Walenstadtberg and some of the peaks in Glarus. I would have liked to go higher, but due to the snow piling up in the ravine, it was not possible and I turned around again.
The hiking path on this route was a mix of wide gravel and asphalt roads and more narrow hiking trails. It was only above Walenstadtberg that the trail was partly covered in snow, but nowhere did I find it problematic, except for up at the viewpoint.
Walking below the Churfirsten peaks is really special, especially because you can get up very close in this area. I would like to cross over on the hiking path one day, but during summer, when the conditions are perfect and trails snow free.
After a small loop back from the viewpoint and back in Walenstadtberg, I enjoyed the clear weather and panoramic views in direction Chur and Graubünden, before taking the bus back down to Walenstadt and the train back home to Zürich.
