The Journal
Hiking Escapes with The Alpinists (1) – Rheintal
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EXPLORE HIDDEN GEMS AND TRAILS AS WE ACCOMPANY SWITZERLAND’S TOP OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY ON THEIR JOURNEY FROM SCHAFFHAUSEN TO THE SOURCE OF THE RHINE RIVER, THE TOMASEE
Visitors to Schaffhausen often ponder: why did IWC choose this spot for its headquarters back in 1868? Well, the answers are manifold. Schaffhausen offered a rich watchmaking tradition, a robust watchmakers guild, and was strategically located on the Swiss national railway line, making for easy access to horological craftsmanship. But Schaffhausen’s real claim to fame was its hydropower station – the world's largest back then – which harnessed the Rhine River’s power to run our manufacture. IWC would not exist without the Rhine; the river is the very foundation of our history!
So, this holiday season, we’re paying tribute to our wellspring of energy by teaming up with The Alpinists, the largest Swiss outdoor photography community. Together, we trace the river back to its source: the Tomasee (Lake Toma/Lai da Tuma) in the canton of Graubünden. Join us to explore the group’s cherished hidden hiking spots as highlighted in “Lost in the Alps” – a book filled with breathtaking photos of Swiss mountain adventures.
The Alpinist’s Silvan Schlegel starts our journey at the Rheintal’s spectacular trail Saxer Lücke. We hiked, discovered, and embraced each unique moment along the way.
— A beautiful classic: The IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Ref. IW378003 with blue dial and stainless-steel case
— The Saxer Lücke’s iconic rock formation
SILVAN SCHLEGEL’S FAVORITE SPOTS IN RHEINTAL
The rock towers of the Kreuzberg rise imposingly above the St. Gallen Rhine Valley. They are breathtaking. The view from the north side is quite different, while no less impressive. Saxer Lücke – the famously beautiful gap along the eastern ridge of the Alpstein Mountains - is not far from the Bollenwees Mountain Inn and Fählensee.
A short but steep descent transports you into another world: standing in a narrow valley, walk a little further and discover an idyllic mountain lake hidden between high rock faces. If you are lucky and there is no wind, the surrounding Alpstein peaks are reflected in the water. Beyond the lake lie the rustic alpine huts and the goat and cow pastures of Fählenalp.
The hike, recommended from summer until late autumn, starts at Hohen Kasten and leads in a circular route to Brülisau. You pass three Appenzell Mountain inns to enjoy a snack or full meal on the way.
A short but steep descent transports you into another world: standing in a narrow valley, walk a little further and discover an idyllic mountain lake hidden between high rock faces
HIKING ROUTE
The cable car to the Hohen Kasten takes you up to almost 1800 meters in no time. From there, a narrow hiking trail leads on or below the ridge over the Glogger and finally over the Stauberenfirst to the Staubern (a mountain restaurant accessible by cable car from Frümsen).
Now, the path crosses northwards under the Stauberenkanzel and leads below the ridge past Hüser and Hochhaus before it reaches the rise again and finally the Saxer Lücke.
Descend to the right to the Bollenwees Inn and Lake Fählensee behind it. The descent path is relatively flat until Lake Sämtisersee. After a short, intermediate ascent to Plattenbödeli, the trail descends steeply through the Brüeltobel to Brülisau.
— The Alpinist wearing the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Ref. IW378003
Silvan Schlegel’s hiking secrets and many others can be found in The Alpinists’ books “Lost in the Alps” parts 1 and 2.
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