Wilkethöchi

Wilkethöchi, known locally as Wilket, is a wooded summit above the Neckertal valley in the canton of St. Gallen, northeastern Switzerland. It belongs to the Appenzell Alps, rises 1,172 m above sea level and looks down on the village of Dicken. Hikers come for the ridge walking and a wide mountain panorama that needs no technical skill to reach.

Where is Wilkethöchi?

The peak stands in the Toggenburg region, above the Necker river valley. It has a prominence of about 310 m, with Hochalp as its parent peak. Among the summits of the Toggenburg district it sits in the lower half by elevation, which fits its character: a gentle viewpoint rather than a serious alpine objective.

What can you see from the top?

The ridge opens onto the Alpstein massif, the best-known range of eastern Switzerland, and the Glarus Alps beyond. In clear weather the rolling Toggenburg hills spread out below. Benches line the walking routes, including one at Wimpfel on the loop from Mogelsberg.

How do you reach the summit?

The path to the top is graded T1, an ordinary hiking trail. The main options:

• Wilket-Gratweg (local route 952): a ridge path from Brunnadern to Degersheim, about 12 km and 4 h 25 min. Its highest point is listed at roughly 1,171 m.
• Route 406, Brunnadern to Degersheim: the same crossing described as a four-hour day via Gerensattel, with the Bergli and Fuchsacker inns along the way. It forms part of the Neckertaler Höhenweg, the high-level trail along the valley.
• Route 406a, Mogelsberg to Schönenbüel: a more athletic variant that crosses Wilkethöchi and continues to Bergli and Chäseren, with an optional detour to the treetop walk (Baumwipfelpfad).
• Mogelsberg loop: a moderate 9.4 km circuit of about three hours taking in the summit view, Gerensattel and the bench at Wimpfel. It is the shortest option.

The nearest hut is the Grillhütte Aeuel, around 1.6 km east of the summit.

When should you go?

Late spring to autumn suits the trails best, once the paths are clear of snow, and clear days give the best Alpstein views. Plan a full day for the ridge crossing and carry water, since the stretches between inns are long. The Bergli inn closes for part of the year, so check its opening times before you set out.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Wilkethöchi? The summit is 1,172 m above sea level. Some route descriptions give 1,171 m as the highest point of the walk.

Is the hike difficult? No. The trail is graded T1, and the shortest loop from Mogelsberg takes about three hours.

Which mountain range is it in? The Appenzell Alps, in the canton of St. Gallen, above Dicken in the municipality of Neckertal.

What is the view like? The Alpstein massif and the Glarus Alps on the horizon, with the Toggenburg hills below.