Churfirsten

The Churfirsten are a line of seven main peaks - Chaserrugg, Hinterrugg, Schibenstoll, Zuestoll, Brisi, Frumsel and Selun - and their shape is a textbook consequence of tilted strata. The rock beds dip north, so the Toggenburg side rises as a long even grass and rock slope that can be walked up, while the southern side, where the beds are cut off, drops in near-vertical cliffs several hundred metres high toward Walenstadtberg and on down to the Walensee, some 1,800 metres below the summits. The result is that you can stroll to the crest and then stand on the edge of a cliff. Chaserrugg has a cable car and a summit building by Herzog and de Meuron. Ibex, chamois and alpine choughs are common along the ridge. The name, a plural, refers to the peaks that marked the old boundary of the bishopric of Chur.

Highlights

• Seven summits in a row - Chaserrugg through Selun along one crest.
• Two completely different sides - walkable slope north, sheer wall south.
• Cliffs several hundred metres high - the southern face above the Walensee.
• Herzog and de Meuron at the top - the Chaserrugg summit building.

When to go

June to October. A day.

Things to know

The ridge traverse between summits is exposed and long - it is a serious mountain day, not a stroll, despite the easy approach from the cable car. Weather turns fast on the crest. Snow lingers into early summer on the north side.

Nearby

Walensee is below the southern wall; the Toggenburg valley is north.

Key facts