Best mountain passes around Kaltbrunn, a municipality in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, offers diverse terrain within the scenic Linth valley. Elevations in the region range from 406 to 1543 meters above sea level. The Ricken Pass is significant to Kaltbrunn, with its south portal located within the municipality, connecting the Linth valley with the Toggenburg region. This area provides access to various outdoor activities and scenic routes.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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The Rossweidhächi is a beautiful MTB destination.
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The old Rickenstrasse leads with little traffic from Wattwil to Ricken.
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Starting in summer 2025, pushing and carrying will no longer be necessary from Rossweidhöchi onward. There will now be a single trail.
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The small Schönenberg road to the Ricken Pass from Wattwil lives up to its name. While it does have a few meters of elevation gain, with very little traffic, the climb is a lot of fun and ideal for road cycling.
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The climb to Rossweidhöchi is long and steep - but all the more varied. At the beginning you quickly gain altitude on the asphalted serpentines and the view of Lake Walen gets better with every meter. At the mountain station of the cable car you have another opportunity to fill up your bidons before heading into the lonely and natural part. The area becomes increasingly rugged. Huge boulders rest on the moss-covered forest floor. Past rugged rock faces and lonely alpine huts, it gets steeper and steeper to the top. Once you get to the top, you have to earn the descent. On the first part of the descent you have to push and carry. But the view makes up for all the exertion. From Alp Feldrederten you can roll down almost 900 meters in altitude on a perfect gravel road and enjoy!
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Super beautiful panoramic unique landscape
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Visitors frequently enjoy Chrüzegg Summit for its expansive views after a short climb. Other popular spots include Hinterhöhi, known for its high moor and natural landscape, and Vorder Höhi Pass, which offers panoramic views and is easily accessible year-round.
The mountain passes around Kaltbrunn offer diverse natural beauty. You can find high moors at places like Hinterhöhi, and rugged, natural terrain with huge boulders and moss-covered forests on climbs such as the one to Züri Escape Challenge – Checkpoint Rossweidhöchi. Expansive panoramic views of the surrounding alpine landscape are a common highlight.
While specific family-friendly categories aren't always listed for passes, many offer accessible sections or shorter climbs suitable for families. Vorder Höhi Pass is noted for being easily accessible and offering panoramic views, which can be enjoyable for all ages. The general area around Kaltbrunn, with its scenic routes and varied terrain, provides opportunities for walks that can be adapted for families.
The region around Kaltbrunn is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including challenging mountaineering routes. For cycling enthusiasts, there are options for gravel biking and touring, with routes like the 'Linth Canal – Shore of Walensee loop' or the 'View from the Tanzboden – View of Lake Zurich loop'. Mountain biking is also popular, with trails such as the 'Oberhaghöchi – Dunkelwald Trail loop'. You can explore more routes in the Gravel biking around Kaltbrunn, MTB Trails around Kaltbrunn, and Cycling around Kaltbrunn guides.
Many mountain passes in the region, such as Vorder Höhi Pass, are considered worthwhile destinations in both winter and summer. Summer offers lush landscapes and ideal hiking conditions, while winter provides a different, often serene, snowy experience. Always check local conditions, especially for higher or more challenging routes, before your visit.
While some routes involve challenging climbs, there are options for varying skill levels. Chrüzegg Summit, for instance, offers expansive views after a relatively short climb, making it accessible for many. The Ricken Pass Scenic Road is noted for its beautiful, quiet climb with gentle slopes, ideal for road cycling.
Visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views and the natural, original landscapes. The sense of achievement after a climb, the tranquility of high moors like Hinterhöhi, and the friendly atmosphere at places like Vorder Höhi Pass are frequently mentioned. The variety of trails catering to different activity levels also contributes to a positive experience.
Absolutely. Many mountain passes in the Kaltbrunn region are renowned for their viewpoints. Chrüzegg Summit offers a great panoramic view, and Vorder Höhi Pass provides panoramic views in all directions. The climb to Züri Escape Challenge – Checkpoint Rossweidhöchi also rewards with increasingly better views of Lake Walen as you ascend.
The Ricken Pass is a significant mountain pass in the region, connecting the Linth valley with Wattwil in the Toggenburg region. Its south portal is located directly within the municipality of Kaltbrunn. The Ricken Pass Scenic Road offers an idyllic, traffic-free route, particularly popular for cycling due to its quiet climb and gentle slopes.
While popularity varies, Hinterhöhi, with its high moor, is described as a 'wonderfully beautiful place' and a 'real power spot' with a natural and original landscape, offering a unique experience away from more crowded areas.
While some summits, like Chrüzegg Summit, may not have restaurants directly on top, the general area often has alpine huts or guesthouses. For example, Vorder Höhi Pass is known for its friendly alpine farmers and even has a fountain with fresh drinkable water. It's always advisable to check specific routes for available facilities.
Kaltbrunn offers a variety of cycling routes. The Ricken Pass Scenic Road is a popular choice for road cycling due to its quiet and gentle climb. For mountain biking, routes like the 'Oberhaghöchi – Dunkelwald Trail loop' provide challenging terrain. Gravel biking is also an option, with routes such as the 'Linth Canal – Shore of Walensee loop'. You can find more details in the Gravel biking around Kaltbrunn, MTB Trails around Kaltbrunn, and Cycling around Kaltbrunn guides.


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