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About this place
Chäserrugg is a 2,262 m (7,421 ft) summit in the municipality of Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann, in the Swiss canton of St. Gallen. It is the easternmost of the seven peaks of the Churfirsten ridge, a wall of rock that rises above Lake Walen and the Toggenburg valley. The top station also holds a timber summit restaurant by Herzog & de Meuron, so a visit pairs mountain views with contemporary architecture.
Where is Chäserrugg?
The mountain sits in the Toggenburg region of north-eastern Switzerland, between Lake Zurich and Lake Constance. Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann includes the village of Unterwasser, where the route up begins. The summit lies at roughly 47.155° N, 9.313° E. Lake Walen lies at the foot of the ridge to the south, and the Toggenburg valley spreads out to the north.
How do you get to the top?
A cable car run by Toggenburg Bergbahnen carries visitors from Unterwasser to the summit station next to the restaurant. You do not need to climb to reach the top, so the trip suits people with no mountaineering experience. Check the operator's website for current timetables and fares, since they change with the season.
What is there to see?
The main attraction is the summit restaurant. The present building dates from 2015 and stands where construction huts from 1972, put up for the original cable car station, once stood. Herzog & de Meuron designed it. The timber structure was prefabricated in the valley and assembled on the summit during one summer, and the interior was fitted out the following winter. The building faces south, framing Lake Walen and the Alpine panorama.
The client was Toggenburg Bergbahnen, which wanted summit catering that depends less on the weather and a stronger summer offer. The restaurant seats up to 500 guests, and the building also contains a concert hall and seminar rooms. The menu includes traditional dishes such as spätzli, and Zurich Tourism recommends the brunch.
When should you go?
In summer the summit is a starting point for walks along and below the ridge, and views are best on a clear day. In winter the area becomes a ski resort with 21 pistes, plus winter hiking trails and toboggan runs. The restaurant normally opens daily from 8:45 to 17:00, but confirm hours before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Chäserrugg? The summit is 2,262 m above sea level.
Where does the route up start? In Unterwasser, in the municipality of Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann. The cable car to the summit leaves from there.
Who designed the summit restaurant? Herzog & de Meuron. The timber building opened in 2015.
Can you visit in winter? Yes. The ski area has 21 pistes, and there are also winter walking and tobogganing routes if you do not ski.
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