Kunkelspass in the World Heritage Site Sardona

The Kunkelspass (1357 m a.s.l.) connects Vättis with Tamins. The lovely plateau presents itself like an arena, surrounded by the mountains of the Calanda (2805 m above sea level), the Crap Mats (2947 m above sea level) and the Ringelspitz (3247 m above sea level), the highest mountain in St.Gallen, located in the Tectonic Arena Sardona.

From Vättis (943 m a.s.l.) an easy hike leads to the Kunkel Pass. Along the bubbling Görbsbach, the path leads gently uphill through meadows and forest sections to Unter Kunkels (1073 m above sea level). What a feast for the eyes, especially in early summer, when the alpine flora comes to life! Above the left side of the valley are the Haldensteiner and the Felsberger Calanda with their rugged limestone formations. When the path becomes a little steeper, you approach the Eggwald mountain restaurant in Ober Kunkels (1148 m a.s.l.). In the case of pleasure hikers, the 'autopilot' takes over in view of the neat restaurant, and you steer straight into the garden restaurant. But it is also not far to the Kunkelspasshöhe (1357 m.a.s.l.).

Kunkelspass as a goal or intermediate destination

In the mountain inn Überuf you can linger with pleasure on the garden terrace or in the wood-fired warmed dining room. Next door is a seminar room with information about the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tectonic Arena Sardona. They are proud to be able to offer the eastern entrance to the geological wonderland with Kunkels. A telescope offers the opportunity to take a close look at the Ringelspitz and the Glarus main thrust or the demolition niche of the Tamins landslide. Sometimes on the seabed, sometimes under 800 metres of glacial ice - the history of the earth also offers a lot of variety for Kunkels.

The shortest route into the valley is via a small road built during the First World War to Tamins (660 m above sea level). The view from the tunnel blasted into the rock is spectacular. If you want to continue uphill, climb via Grossalp to the SAC-Ringelspitzhütte (1998 m.a.s.l.). The hospitable hut can be enjoyed as a panoramic east-facing balcony of the Tectonic Arena Sardona.