Riemenstalden: Hiking, Landscapes and Alpine Traditions

Riemenstalden offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: mountain hikes, striking alpine and karst landscapes, and church and alpine traditions. The routes to the Lidernen SAC hut and the Chaiserstock–Fulen–Rossstock route provide concrete reference points for planning a tour. History and culinary traditions offer another way to experience the village.

Hiking and Routes

One hiking route starts in Riemenstalden at the valley station of the Chäppeliberg-Spilau aerial cableway and continues to the Lidernen SAC hut. The SAC normal route from Chäppeliberg in the Riemenstalden valley to the Lidernen hut is rated WS+; the ascent takes 1 to 1.5 hours and covers 550 metres of elevation gain. The Chaiserstock–Fulen–Rossstock route is graded T4. An ascent towards Schniärstock passes the Lidernen hut after one hour. When snow conditions are good, a long descent to Muotathal is possible. As mountain conditions and seasonal route information can vary, check the latest guidance before planning.

Alpine and Karst Landscapes

The hiking landscape between Riemenstalden and Lidernen includes marshland, forests, karstified alpine meadows, open alpine pastures and distinctive karst rock formations. Another landscape highlight is the Huser Stock–Klingenstock area, with managed wild-hay fields as well as numerous dry meadows and pastures. Both the diverse landforms along the hiking landscape and the managed areas in this region offer options when choosing a landscape theme.

Churches and Alpine History

The parish church of Maria zum Guten Rat in Riemenstalden is known for its frescoes. The present church was built between 1789 and 1793 to plans by Martin Ölgass of Einsiedeln. The ceiling paintings were created in 1932 by the painter Joseph Schilter of Schwyz. This makes it possible to distinguish chronologically between the church’s construction in the late 18th century and the later decoration of its ceiling. In Chäppeliberg, the Chapel of St John the Baptist dates from 1708.

On the Spilau-Seeli alpine pasture, the Betruf is a daily evening prayer of thanksgiving. Its words and melody vary from one alpine pasture to another. This particular version was not written down until 1995 and was passed down from father to son over several generations. Cheesemaking is another aspect of alpine life: for four generations, Spilau Alpine cheese has been made by hand according to an age-old tradition, using milk from horned cows and keeping production as close to nature as possible. Visitors can sample the alpine cheese.

Plan Your Journey

By car, take the Axenstrasse; in Sisikon, turn towards Riemenstalden. A postbus runs twice a day between Sisikon railway station and Riemenstalden, Chäppeliberg. If you plan to use this connection, check the timetable in advance to make sure the services fit your day’s itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Goldau, Oberiberg, Lauerz, Arth, Sattel, Illgau, Unteriberg, Brunnen.

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