Sichelchamm

Efficient up, airy on top

The Sichelchamm gains its altitude efficiently — which is a polite way of saying the Chnorren climb is steep, no matter how you slice it. The good news is that the marked path is well-graded once you actually get on it. The slightly less good news: a few GPX tracks floating around send you through some seriously overgrown trails on the lower section. Skip them — the proper hiking path exists for a reason.

The summit ridge is what makes the day. It’s exposed in spots, but in dry conditions it sits comfortably within a sure-footed T5 zone. In late spring you’ll find a few lingering snow patches on the approach, while the ridge itself is usually clear; autumn works just as well. The standard return is back the way you came and down to Walenstadt — if you want a change of scenery for the descent, you can drop instead via Kurhaus Sennis and Hinterschindlenwald to Berschis.

Tip: the fountain along the route is not drinkable, and on a warm day two litres of water can disappear faster than you’d expect. Bring more.

How it went for me

We travelled fast and light in trail runners, and for this steep, efficient line it was a perfect fit. The reward for the 1800 metres of climbing: an airy summit ridge and a rest up top in the dry grass, looking out over the whole length of the turquoise Walensee. Exactly the kind of tour that leaves your legs tired and your head completely clear by evening.