Batöni

Batöni is a natural amphitheatre of waterfalls above the village of Weisstannen, in the Weisstannental valley of the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Known as the Wasserfall-Arena Batöni, it lies in the Heidiland region and within the UNESCO-listed Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona.

What will you see at Batöni?

Five waterfalls drop over steep rock faces into one basin, ranging from 45 to 86 metres in height. One hiking guide lists the Sässbach fall at about 86 m, the Piltschinabach at 81 m and the Muttenbach at 45 m. You can take in the whole arena at once, which makes it one of the most dramatic spots in this corner of the Alps. Chamois, deer and sometimes ibex are regularly seen nearby.

How do you get to Batöni?

Take a train to Sargans or Mels, then the postbus up to Weisstannen. Most hikers start at the Weisstannen Oberdorf stop and follow the Gufelbach stream. The round trip takes roughly 3 hours, covers 7 to 8 km and involves 530 to 590 m of ascent; sources differ slightly, and the difficulty is rated medium. The highest point of the loop is about 1,530 m above sea level. The site also lies on section 4 of Sardona World Heritage Trail no. 73, from Weisstannen to the Sardona SAC hut.

What can you combine with the visit?

Experienced hikers can continue over the Lavtinasattel pass to the Pizolhütte, passing the Wildsee, one of the five lakes of the well-known 5-lake hike. This is a demanding day of about 11.9 km, over 6 hours and around 1,600 m of climbing. A handy tip is to park at Wangs and use public transport to Weisstannen, so your car waits at the finish.

When should you go, and what should you know?

The route is usually clear only from early July, as snow and avalanche debris linger earlier in the season. Check trail conditions before setting out, especially after storms; the area was temporarily closed in 2022 because of storm damage. No facilities are listed along the way, so carry water and food. The basin sits inside the federal hunting ban area Graue Hörner, so stay on marked paths and follow the rules of conduct.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the walk to the waterfalls?

About 3 hours round trip from Weisstannen Oberdorf.

Is Batöni suitable for families?

The trail is of medium difficulty with more than 500 m of climbing, so it suits children used to hiking.

Can I get there by public transport?

Yes, by train to Sargans or Mels and then postbus to Weisstannen.

Will I see wildlife?

Chamois, deer and ibex live in the area. It is protected, so watch from a distance.