Batoni Waterfalls: St. Gallen, Eastern Switzerland
I somehow spent the last three years hiking in Switzerland without ever hearing about the Batöni waterfalls. But when I saw a picture of them on a Friday night, I immediately said to Raunaq, “That is where we need to be.” So we went! And I barely have the words, it was so beautiful. It’s an out-and-back trail, which is great because the views of the valley from both directions are spectacular. The hallmark of the trail are the trio of waterfalls, which are stunning and insanely dramatic from every angle. And bring binoculars if you have them! This area has a federal hunting ban, so there is a really good chance of seeing chamois or ibex. We saw a large family of chamois scampering around high up on the rocks.I loved every bit of this hike, and only wished we could have continued further up the mountains (alas, it’s too soon in the season). We will absolutely be back.
Start/End: Weisstannen Oberdorf
Length and Rating: Moderate. The first 3 kilometers are pretty steep, but the path evens out in the valley after that. 8km, 560 meters ascent/descent, 3-4 hours