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Longbyt · #40 03.08.2010, 19:00

Hike: Ebnat-Kappel SG > Tanzboden > Ebnat-Kappel
Time 4 1/2 hours, Distance 14.8 Km, Uphill - ca. 850 m, Downhill - ca. 850 m

Starting point: Ebnat-Kappel Railway Station
GPS Track and Fotos here.

This hike in the Toggenburg region of Eastern Switzerland can be done using public transport. From Zürich one will have to change trains at least once but as the path starts from the station in Ebnat-Kappel no time is lost on arriving there.

It is easy walking. On the way up, the path is well walked and well marked. Nothing difficult, just steadily uphill through woods and across meadows. There are great views back down into the valley and over to Säntis. At Unterbächen and Oberbächen there are alpine restaurants. At the first, we saw quite a number of cars parked but few people, so I presume several hikers started off from there shortening the hike by quite a bit.

When we reached the Tanzboden, our goal for the day, we realized that, it being the Swiss National Day, an alpine church service was to be held in front of the restaurant. Perhaps 30 or 40 people and about twenty cows! One could actually hear the music, and also what was being said, much better up near the bonfire which had been made ready for the evening celebration. The cow bells drowned everything out lower down.

At this highest point the panoramic vlew was complete. Lake Zurich, Toggenburg and Appenzellerland, Säntis, Churfirsten, the two Mythens, the Great and Lesser Aubrlg, Pilatus, the Rigi and other snow capped peaks behind all stood out against the blue sky.

Following our route down, one must keep ones eyes open for the yellow markings. The signposts show the direction across meadows but in some places the narrow path, simply a strip of tramped down blades of grass is only visible when actually following it. It is important to stay on it though as farmers do not appreciate having their crop flattened by careless hikers.
Taking the path to Abschlagen, there is yet another restaurant (good ice-creams and reasonable in price) at Nestel. It is only open Thursday to Sunday though.

This is another good hike for those who like to take their time and enjoy the scenery en route. The views are well worth the effort required to see them!