Persaxplatten

Persaxplatten is a rock face and mixed natural-historical site on the slopes of the Fläscherberg, directly above the village of Fläsch in the Bündner Herrschaft district of Graubünden, Switzerland. Few places pack three such different identities into one hillside: a protected forest reserve, the remains of a Swiss military stronghold, and an active rock-climbing area — making it an unusual stop for visitors after more than just a scenic walk.

What is hidden in the Persaxplatten forest?

Persaxplatten holds one of Graubünden's earliest natural forest reserves (Naturwaldreservat), established in 2006 and covering 9 hectares. Fläsch was among the first municipalities in the canton to set aside such a reserve. The ground here is humus-carbonate soil over limestone, a combination that supports the pine and beech woodland typical of these dry, south-facing Alpine slopes. Since then, the municipality has expanded its conservation efforts further, adding a special reserve on the Alp Stürfis and several old-growth forest "islands" designated after 2019.

What military traces remain in the rock?

Visitors expecting only quiet woodland rarely anticipate stumbling on the remnants of a serious artillery installation. Around 1942, engineers cut an artillery work into the north face of Persaxplatten, code-named "Römerstrasse" (army number A 6212) — part of the wider St. Luzisteig fortress system, one of the anchors of Switzerland's national Réduit during the Second World War. In 1947 the position was fitted with fixed 12-cm howitzers and an observation post, and around 1962 an additional tunnel and command cavern were added. Its firing openings sit below the old fortification track, positioned to cover the approaches while staying partly concealed in the rock; the cavern itself offered little living space, so the gun crews relied on nearby barracks. The installation remained active until around 1971 and was formally decommissioned in 1985 — a span of roughly four decades that carried it from wartime defence into the Cold War.

Who is Persaxplatten for — climbers or hikers?

Today the cliffs are known among climbers as a sport-climbing area with a number of documented routes across a range of grades, including the 15-metre "Heilandzack," graded 7b, a route favoured by climbing groups from across Graubünden. For hikers, Persaxplatten is typically one stage on a longer route that runs from the St. Luzisteig fortress through Matlusch and Matluschkopf — a hill topped by a prehistoric hillfort — up to the Regitzer Spitz summit. The usual starting point is the car park at St. Luzisteig, from where the trail crosses varied terrain that blends history, nature, and views over the Rhine valley below.

How to get there and when to visit

Fläsch sits in the Bündner Herrschaft, Graubünden's northernmost wine-growing district, alongside Maienfeld, Jenins and Malans. The easiest approach is by car or train to Maienfeld or Bad Ragaz, then by local transport or on foot to Fläsch and onward toward St. Luzisteig, where the trails up to Persaxplatten begin. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit: temperatures are mild and conditions on both the climbing routes and hiking trails are most comfortable, especially since parts of the terrain run across open, sun-exposed slopes. In summer, an early start is worth planning to avoid the heat building up on the rocky sections.

Frequently asked questions

What exactly is Persaxplatten? It's a combined rock-and-forest area on the slopes of the Fläscherberg above Fläsch, encompassing a natural forest reserve, a former artillery position from the St. Luzisteig fortress system, and a sport-climbing area.

Can you visit the old artillery bunker? The "Römerstrasse" installation is part of the historic St. Luzisteig fortification network; access to the interior is often restricted, but the external traces of the fortifications can be seen while hiking the surrounding trails.

Is Persaxplatten suitable for beginner climbers? The area offers routes of varying difficulty, but some, such as "Heilandzack" (7b), are demanding — it's worth checking current route descriptions before setting out.

How long does the hike through Persaxplatten take? The stretch from St. Luzisteig through Matlusch and Persaxplatten to the Regitzer Spitz takes several hours and suits hikers with good fitness and sure footing on rocky terrain.