Chäserrugg-Alt St. Johann

Chäserrugg is a 2,262 m summit in the Toggenburg region of Switzerland, within the municipality of Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann. It is the easternmost of the seven peaks of the Churfirsten range, and from the top a wide panorama of the Swiss Alps and the surrounding valleys opens up. A cable car runs to the summit, so the place is open to visitors who are not planning a long climb.

How do you get to Chäserrugg?

The journey starts in Unterwasser, at 911 m above sea level. From there a funicular carries passengers to Iltios, at 1,339 m. At Iltios you change: an aerial cable car continues to the summit. The route therefore has two clear stages, and the change at Iltios is a natural moment for the first photos of the valley.

What is at the top?

The summit building was designed by the architects Herzog & de Meuron. It houses the Gipfelrestaurant Chäserrugg, the summit restaurant, at 2,262 m. The whole restaurant is wheelchair accessible, and the cable car access is convenient for visitors with reduced mobility too.

The construction of the upper station has one more notable detail: out of respect for the environment, all materials except the crane were delivered to the mountain by cable car.

Can you hike up Chäserrugg?

Yes. The trail known as "The Classic" leads from Iltios to the summit and takes about three hours. It suits those who prefer to reach the top on foot and ride the cable car back down. Along the route you pass the Stöfeli middle station, also designed by Herzog & de Meuron.

Chäserrugg or neighbouring Hinterrugg: which is higher?

Next to Chäserrugg stands Hinterrugg, the highest in the group at 2,306 m. Chäserrugg, at 2,262 m, is the easier one to reach thanks to the lifts, which is why it serves as the main gateway to this part of the Churfirsten.

Who is it for?

• Visitors who want mountain views without a strenuous hike: a lift ticket and a short walk from the upper station are enough.
• Hikers: the trail from Iltios to the summit makes a full outing, with the cable car for the return.
• Architecture fans: the summit building by Herzog & de Meuron is a destination in itself.
• Anyone who wants a meal with a mountain view in a restaurant at 2,262 m.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Chäserrugg? In Toggenburg, Switzerland, in the municipality of Wildhaus-Alt St. Johann. The valley station is in Unterwasser.

How high is Chäserrugg? 2,262 m above sea level.

Do you have to change cable cars? Yes, at Iltios (1,339 m): from the funicular to the aerial cable car.

Is the summit restaurant wheelchair accessible? Yes, the whole restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

How long does the hike from Iltios take? "The Classic" trail takes about three hours.

Should you check details before you go? Yes. Lift and restaurant opening times change with the season, so check the official site, chaeserrugg.ch, before your visit.

Chäserrugg combines an accessible mountain summit, a Churfirsten panorama and contemporary architecture in one place, and the two-stage ride from Unterwasser makes it easy to plan a full day in Toggenburg.