Sankt Margrethenberg: Cross-country trails and Pizalun

Sankt Margrethenberg lies at around 1,200 m above sea level, above Pfäfers. Above Landquart, on the northern foothills of the Calanda, it sits in a sunny high valley enclosed by mountain ridges on two sides. From there, open views extend across the valley. The Pizalun viewing platform above Sankt Margrethenberg offers a 360° panorama of the mountains of Graubünden and St. Gallen; on a clear day, the view reaches as far as Lake Constance.

Cross-country skiing and other winter activities

There are cross-country ski trails on St. Margrethenberg maintained by the Calanda St. Margrethenberg Ski Club. The Davos, Möschriet and Fürggli trails are 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 kilometres long, respectively. The trail network also includes 11.8 kilometres of connecting trails. This figure describes the network’s connecting trails and is separate from the lengths of the individual trails. The network configuration may change, and trail conditions vary by season. Check the latest conditions before setting out.

The Tristeli ski area has a floodlit slope for skiing and snowboarding. Night skiing is seasonal and subject to certain conditions. A tobogganing slope for the youngest visitors is also available at the Tristeli ski lift; whether it can be used depends on snow conditions.

A snowshoe tour to Chimmispitz starts at the Sankt Margrethenberg, Dorf stop. The route follows either the left or right side of the ski slope to the top station of the ski lift, then continues south along the long ridge of Grot.

Winter routes and getting there

You can reach the Fürggli–Golerberg winter route by train to Bad Ragaz, followed by a PostBus via Pfäfers. From the terminus, it is a 45-minute walk to Fürggli. On a clear day, the route offers impressive views of the mountains of Graubünden, the Rhine Valley, the Churfirsten and the Pizol area. Check the timetables before travelling, as routes and times may change.

Another winter hiking route leads from Dörfli to Fürggli. Conditions depend on snow and maintenance. The route name alone does not indicate a walking time; take current conditions into account when planning.

Experience Pizalun on foot

The Pizalun circular hike starts and ends at the car park by the valley station of the Tristeli ski lift. A gently ascending path leads through forests and across flowering meadows to the summit of Pizalun. The described loop therefore combines forest sections, open meadows and the summit as its destination, while the viewing platform, with its panoramic views, provides a separate landmark in the high valley.

Wild animals are often spotted in the meadow north of and below Pizalun, but sightings cannot be reliably planned. There is a simple fire pit at the foot of the viewing platform. Check the applicable local fire regulations before using it.

PostBus and places to eat

Sankt Margrethenberg is easily accessible by PostBus. Routes and timetables may change, so check the connection for your travel date. Travelling via Bad Ragaz and Pfäfers is another option for reaching the Fürggli–Golerberg winter route; remember to include the 45-minute walk from the terminus in your plans.

Buura-Beizli St. Margrethenberg serves home-cooked food made with products directly from the farm and from the region. The menu may change. If you plan to eat there, check the current selection before your visit.

For the wider travel overview: Pfäfers.