Wiggis, 2282 m

Under the Spell of a Giant Wall

The majestic backdrop of the Wiggis towers over Netstal, over 1800 m of just rock steps, ledges, and waterfalls. It is thrilling when you approach this bastion of rock, mountain forest, and crags for the first time.

From Netstal station, the signpost leads through the village out to the sports field. Then the trail goes into the forest for a long time. The steepness increases quickly. Steps, steps, and more steps, linked into endless switchbacks, this is how it initially goes to the station of the material cableway and then further to the Auerenalp. Here the slope noticeably eases. The moment when the forest recedes and opens the view to Lake Klöntal forms the first highlight of the tour. At the edge of the pasture areas, the path goes from Unter Stafel to Mittel Stafel. Shortly behind, a painted rock marks the fork in the road. The route towards the Wiggis turns left around a ridge into the broad, strenuous couloir of Ober Bützi. Right next to the scree slopes, the path climbs to the broad rock gate, crosses beneath the overhanging wall to the right, and reaches the saddle P. 2126. The last stretch along the broad west ridge over the main summit to the cross-decorated forepeak then appears almost leisurely. The houses of Netstal lie vertically at the viewer's feet. For the return, there is a worthwhile alternative for those without vertigo: From the forepeak down to the bold high nose (2193 m) and left on a narrow path to saddle P. 2162; from there – after a detour to the nearby Rautispitz, 2283 m – descent into the Obersee valley.