Gersau-Föhnenbergen-Ochsenalp-Gersau

Tip
7.03 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Great panorama
Hike
  • 3:30 h
  • 7.03 km
  • 650 m
  • 650 m
  • 435 m
  • 1,053 m
  • 618 m
  • Start: Gersau
  • Destination: Gersau

Gersau - Föhnenbergen - Ochsenalp - Gersau

On this rather short, easy hike on good hiking trails and rural roads, we discover the Mediterranean-rocky Rigi. Flanked by pine stands, you find unexpected views deep down over sometimes overhanging rock walls. 

We start in Gersau and quickly gain altitude on a nicely maintained hiking trail.
Here and there lies a boulder as evidence of an ice stream that once approached from the south. The place where you look into the Tridwand is somewhat hidden. Only a narrow path that veers right in the bright mountain maple forest reveals the nearby viewpoint. And what a viewpoint! Depending on how far you venture, you look into yawning depths. It is usually warm and sheltered here, which climbers especially appreciate during the cold season. You feel like you are in the southern French Calanques: Mediterranean scents of thyme and marjoram embrace the nose, deep blue water gleams from below, finely textured Schratten limestone tickles the fingertips.  

But we continue hiking on good paths – enjoying the permanent view – towards the homestead at Föhnenbergen. After a turnaround, the path then leads westwards again to the Ochsenalp viewpoint above the Sattelflue. Those who have had enough now meander back down to Gersau on marked mountain hiking trails.  

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Asphalt
Gravel
Trail
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Gersau (435m) - Föhnenbergen (950m) - Ochsenalp (1055m) - Gersau (435m)

Tour information

  • Loop Road

  • Nature Highlight

  • Tour with Dog

Equipment

Hiking equipment with good shoes. 

Directions & Parking facilities

On the lakeside road from Brunnen or Küssnacht to Gersau. 

Paid parking lots are available in Gersau. 

However, we recommend public transport instead of a car: Sit back, enjoy and do something good for the environment at the same time.

The journey is conveniently made by train to Brunnen or Küssnacht and then by bus to Gersau.

Additional information

Would you like to discover this or another hike at the Rigi with a guide? 
The well-known mountain author and outdoor guide David Coulin from Weggis is happy to take your requests. 

Request a guided hike here

Author

David Coulin im Auftrag von Gäste-Service Rigi

Organization

Schwyzer Wanderwege

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Detour from Ochsenalp further to a granite boulder with a signpost and then up to the ridge hut, which is even staffed on weekends.

Nearby

Contact

Gersau-Föhnenbergen-Ochsenalp-Gersau
6442 Gersau