Another of my resolutions for this summer season has been fulfilled. I am referring to the ascent of Säntis (2’501.9 m), which is the highest mountain in the Alpstein massif in eastern Switzerland.
A place that attracts lightning
This place attracts not only a lot of people each year who are thirsty for excitement and fantastic landscapes, but also hundreds of lightning bolts. It is said that around 400 discharges occur there every year.
This number is impressive. The views during a thunderstorm are probably also amazing. However, I recommend checking the weather forecast before the trip.
Conditions on the route
The route is not the easiest one. Both the ascent and descent require a lot of effort. There are also several sections where you have to be especially careful. Of course, the route can be shortened and after climbing Säntis, you can take the cable car down.
The climb up takes about three hours. Before the very end, there is another steep climb where it is narrow and you can get stuck in the queue to the top.
Before that, however, you pass the Tierwis mountain hut with a fantastic view, including of the Churfirsten mountain range, with its distinctive, interspersed peaks of similar height. And the higher you go, the more spectacular the views.
The cock crowing can be heard in the distance indicating that you are approaching the hut. It is a kind of a signal for hikers that soon, in a few dozen metres, they will overcome the first difficult hill (about 700 m) and they will be able to rest, enjoying the views.
Beginnings of building a trail to Säntis and Tierwis hut
As an interesting aside, the initiative to build a path from Schwägalp to the summit of Säntis was born during a meeting of members of the SAC mountaineering club from the Toggenburg and Säntis sections in 1871. The route was to go via Mausfalle and Fliesbord (Tierwis). The following year work already started.
A few decades later, between 1902 and 1903, the Tierwis hut was built. Building materials were transported by hand-operated cable car from Schwägalp. Two full hours and four strong men were needed for one transport. Nowadays the cable car is used to transport food and other things needed in the running of the guest house. The only difference is that it is no longer necessary to haul it all in by hand.
The last stage of the route
The final stage of the route, i.e. the descent from Säntis towards Seealpsee, requires a mobilisation of strength. After all, there is over 1’700 metres of altitude difference to overcome. I felt this most in my knees. However, the surroundings are fantastic and help you to forget about fatigue. And a swim in the lake can help to raise the adrenaline.
