Downhill (or uphill if done in reverse) hike with sound experiment-stations along the way. Three options: 6.5 km, 4.3 km or 2.2 km. Three restaurants with playgrounds along the way. Suitable for offroad strollers.
Toggenburg | Canton of St. Gallen (Switzerland)
The "it" factor
What makes it special:
23 musical stations and 27 sound sculptures along the trail
Three restaurants with playgrounds
Options for varying difficulty levels with three access points for flexibility
Barbecue spots to enjoy a relaxing break surrounded by nature
Off-road stroller friendly
What needs to be considered:
You can do this hike downhill or uphill. We cover the downhill version, but for a challenge, try it in reverse
It's a linear hike—if you drive, you'll need a bus to get back to the start
Don't feel like reading? Watch a video instead!
The fun factor
The Toggenburg Klangweg (Sound or Tone Trail) is a 6.5 km linear hike, filled with 23 musical stations and 27 sound sculptures. The trail has three entry/exit points: Alt St. Johann to Wildhaus (6.5 km), Alt St. Johann to Unterwasser (2.3 km), and Unterwasser to Wildhaus (4.3 km). To return to the starting point, just hop on a bus for a smooth trip back! Check out practical info for more details.
After 20 years in operation, the Toggenburg Klangweg (Sound Trail) was extensively renovated and reopened in May 2024, showcasing a refreshed "Classic Edition" and twelve new installations by renowned sound artists from Switzerland and abroad. We explored the full hike and thoroughly enjoyed it, making it a highly recommended, fun destination for the whole family.
Here are our top 6 Fun Factors of Toggenburg Klangweg (Soundtrail)
1. Experiment with sounds
The first section of the hike, from Alt St. Johann to Unterwasser (2.3 km), features 8 sound stations. You can experiment with music by playing a giant xylophone, ringing bells, or pulling levers to create sounds high up in the trees. Our 4.5-year-old was excited, eagerly trying out each station, creating tunes, and continuing the hike to discover the next adventure.
The second part of the hike, from Unterwasser to Wildhaus (4.3 km), offers 15 additional play stations. Though the stretches between stations are slightly longer, the stops are still frequent enough to keep the excitement going. You can use a shoe insert to play giant pipes, swing on a musical swing to create sounds, spin giant wheels, and even play on oversized plates.
It’s an imaginative and interactive way to enjoy the hike while keeping kids engaged in the adventure.
2. Listen to nature
As you walk the Toggenburg Klangweg (Sound Trail), you'll come across magical listening stations with giant devices where you can truly tune into nature. Whether you're hearing the wind whisper through the trees, stepping into a tent to discover the hidden sounds of creatures underground, or listening to water gently flowing, each stop offers something special. We found it to be an amazing way to slow down, reconnect, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world.
The fun & food factor
3. Hit an alpine playground
There are three restaurants with playgrounds along the trail, conveniently located near each entry/exit point. The first, Bergghasthaus Sellamatt (accessible by gondola from Alt St. Johann), offers a cozy atmosphere with a good menu selection, a bouncy castle, and a playground—the smallest of the three. While we didn’t try the food ourselves, the inside looked welcoming and family-friendly.
The second restaurant along the trail is Iltios (accessible by gondola from Unterwasser), where we stopped for lunch and which we can recommend. The menu offered fresh, healthy options, including a dedicated kids' menu. The playground here is fantastic, featuring a sandpit, digger, giant jumping mat, swings, and a playhouse. If you're doing the full trail, it's the perfect spot to break the hike into two relax with a drink or lunch and let the kids play before continuing the hike.
The last stop is Berggasthaus Oberdorf, where the hike finishes, right next to the gondola down to Wildhaus. The playground here is well-equipped, with a trampoline and the usual fun activities for kids. After completing the hike, we rewarded ourselves with refreshing fruit smoothies, making it a nice way to wrap up the adventure.
The fitness factor
The full Toggenburg Klangweg (Sound Trail) hike is 6.5 km, with 217 meters downhill and 55 meters uphill.
For more of a challenge, you can do it in reverse.
For an easier option, the hike can be split into shorter sections of 4.5 km or 2.2 km.
Check out our practical info for details.
The Toggenburg Klangweg (Sound Trail) follows an easy route, with 2.1 km on forest paths, 2 km on natural paths, 0.9 km on asphalt roads, and 0.7 km on gravel, with no drop-offs along the way. It can be done with off-road strollers that can handle gravel.
The full 6.5 km hike is ideal for kids who are comfortable with longer distances (4-5 years old +) or when combined with a stroller.
Since the trail can be divided into shorter sections, the 2.2 km portion is great for younger kids, offering a gentle introduction to hiking.
The views factor
We’ve never visited the mountains without being amazed by the views, and this hike is no exception. You'll experience a mix of forests, towering mountains, serene lakes, and fields of cows peacefully grazing. Just a heads-up: since a large portion of the hike goes through the forest, the mountain views are a bit more limited compared to other open-area hikes.
The value factor
Two cablecar / chair /funicular rides on following sections: Alt St. Johann - Alp Sellamatt | Unterwasser - Iltios | Wildhaus - Oberdorf
1 uphill ride (1st section)
1 downhill ride (1st section)
Return Bus ride (route Wildhaus-Dusi - Alt St. Johann-Starkenbach)
Adults: 39.00 CHF | Adult with HTA/GA: 24.50 CHF
Kids (6 - 15): 24.50 CHF
Kids below 6 & Kids accompanied by adults: Free
Discounted group tickets available
Toggenburg Klangweg (Sound Trail) | Practical Info
Step by step directions
There are three entry/exit points for the hike, each offering different distances and difficulty levels:
Alt St. Johann (Sellamat Bahn):
By Car: Park at Parkplatz Sellamattbahn (Ochsenwis 418, 9656 Alt St. Johann)
By Public Transport: Take the bus to Alt St. Johann, Dorf
Take the gondola or chairlift to Sellamatt (they alternate departures from the same place)
From there, you can choose between:
Full hike downhill (6.5 km):
Walk 450 meters to Wildhaus Lisighaus bust station. Take the return bus 790 to Alt St. Johann, Dorf
Shortest hike downhill (2.2 km):
Walk to Iltios and take the funicular down to Unterwasser
Walk 350 meters to Unterwasser, Post bust station. Take the return bus 790 to Alt St. Johann, Dorf
2. Unterwasser (Funicular):
By Car: Park at the Funicular parking (Früeweidstrasse 1703, 9657 Alt St. Johann)
By Public Transport: Take the bus to Unterwasser, Post
Take the funicular to Iltios
From there, you can choose between:
Medium hike dowhill (4.3 km):
Walk to Oberdorf and take the chairlift/gondola down to Wildhaus
Walk 450 meters to Wildhaus Lisighaus bust station. Take the return bus 790 to Unterwasser, Post
Shortest hike uphill (2.2 km):
Walk to Sellamatt and take the chairlift down to Alt St Johann
Walk 280 meters to Alt St. Johann, Dorf bust station. Take the return bus 790 to Unterwasser, Post
3. Wildhaus Thur (Chairlift):
By Car: Park at Bergbahnen Wildhaus (Thur 1214, 9658 Wildhaus)
By Public Transport: Take the bus to Wildhaus Lisighaus
Take the gondola or chairlift to Wildhaus Oberdorf
From there, you can do the hike in reverse
Stroller friendly: Yes, off-road
Duration: Full day (depending on how much time you will spend on food and play). The hike itself can be done in 1-3 hours, but with all the adventures it took us a full day in total
Recommended age: 3+