Nestled near Silenen, just north of the Gotthard tunnel, the Hexensteig offers an exhilarating and unique Klettersteig experience. This climb, set inside a mountain, begins with the excitement of a Tyrolean traverse followed by climbing over suspended logs and traditional metal klettersteig hand and foot holds to reach the top of the chimney. The adventure begins long before you start climbing, making it a truly memorable day trip.
The Approach: A Journey Begins
Your adventure starts with a charming ride on the Chilcherberge open-air cable car, a delightful throwback to simpler times. Built in 1974, this small, open cable car ascends 610 meters, carrying up to four passengers at a time. While more exposed, the front seats offer a thrilling ride and are ideal for mountain bikes if you wish to explore the trails instead of tackling the Klettersteig.
There are no attendants at the lower station, but a phone is available to call the engineer at the top station. Press ‘5’ to speak with the engineer, who will give you a bit of time to get into the cable car, close the door, and prepare for the journey. The final warning is signaled by a bell before the cable car starts its steep and high ascent, with open sides providing breathtaking views. The ride is not for the faint-hearted but is a thrilling prelude to the main adventure. Upon arrival at the top station, 1160 meters above sea level, you can find restrooms and pay the engineer for the ride.
The Hike: Alpine Beauty
From the top of the cable car, it’s a one-hour, fifteen-minute walk to the base of the Hexensteig. The hike itself is part of the adventure, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the stunning scenery with views of the Gotthard Pass. Follow the hiking trail to Seewli, crossing beautiful alpine pastures and the Selderbach stream, where you’ll find a shelter for a break.
After crossing the stream, turn right and follow the path that briefly parallels the stream uphill towards the rock outcrop where the Hexensteig begins. After a bit, the path leaves the stream and turns into the forest as you continue up the mountain, sometimes climbing wooden and stone steps. The path covers a variety of terrains and offers beautiful views throughout. Shortly before exiting the trees, you will pass another shelter if you need a break. Upon exiting the trees, you’ll reach a sign for the Hexensteig at the upper rock outcrops.
Turn left at the sign and continue for a few more minutes to reach the entrance of the Klettersteig, where the path enters the mountain through a small crack just wide enough for a person to enter. We stopped here and put on our gear in the dry sunlight before entering the witches’ chimney.
The Climb: Inside the Mountain
The Hexensteig begins by entering the crack in the mountain, which quickly opens up to a natural chamber with a crevice. Here, you’ll encounter a short Tyrollean traverse to cross the chamber. A pulley is provided for the Tyrollean traverse to clip into the locking carabineer on your harness and pull yourself across, providing an exhilarating start to the climb. On the far side, climb onto a suspended log, and from here, traverse and climb a series of logs like balance beams, using the side for support where needed.
Video: Kelsey Achenbach
The climb inside the mountain is truly unique. The logs provide both stability and thrill as you navigate the narrow passages and rugged terrain. The route is well-lit by natural light streaming through cracks and openings, so a headlamp is not necessary. Keep an eye out for the Hexen (witch) hiding in the mountain, a whimsical touch that adds to the fun.
Halfway up, a spur exits the crack for a panoramic view from a bench suspended high on the side of the mountain. This spot offers spectacular views and is a must-stop for photos and a breather. The view over the valley below and the surrounding peaks is breathtaking and a perfect reward for your efforts.
Continue climbing a mix of logs and traditional Klettersteig rebar hand and foot holds until you reach the top. The Hexensteig is a 160-meter vertical climb that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Exiting at the top of the mountain, you may find yourself in the clouds, as I did, adding to the mystique of the adventure and offering a sense of otherworldly accomplishment.
The Descent: Returning to Base
After exiting the Klettersteig, follow the path marked with blue and white striped markers. The path goes slightly uphill before passing over a ridge and turning downhill. You’ll see stone pinnacles on your left. You could barely see the pinnacles through the clouds when I was there, adding to the dramatic scenery.
After the pinnacles, pass through an alpine pasture and connect with the Seewli trail marked with red and white stripes. Turn downhill to the right to return to the cable car. Passing the turnoff to the Hexensteig, continue down the path you ascended, retracing your steps. The descent takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Details
Arriving:
By Car: Park at the base of the Chilcherberge open-air cable car. The cable car will take you to the hike’s starting point.
Gear & Guide Options:
There is no store near the Klettersteig or cable car to rent gear. Ensure you bring all necessary equipment.
Elevation Gain: 520 meters on the approach from the , 160 meters on the Klettersteig
Time: Allow 5 hours; including an hour to get settled and the cable car round trip, one hour and firteen minutes each for the ascent and descent, and one hour and thrity minutes for the klettersteig.
Difficulty: K3/4