From Rigi Staffel down to Goldau
1,125 metres of descent and practically no ascent: this stage leads from Rigi Staffel at 1,597 metres down to Goldau at 509 metres. In terms of stamina the route is undemanding, but for the knees it is a strain not to be underestimated.
The route from above
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Elevation profile
Route description
The starting point is Rigi Staffel at 1,597 metres, which is also the highest point of the stage. From here it is downhill all the way: over the entire nine kilometres there are no counter-climbs worth mentioning, and a mere 39 metres of ascent add up.
After 1.5 kilometres Rigi Klösterli is reached; on the way the path crosses the Rigiaa and later the Dossenbach. Via Dächli, Blätzen, Schindlenbäch and Ober Harmettlenberg the route keeps dropping until it reaches Goldau at kilometre 7.5.
With 1,088 metres between the highest and lowest points, the difference in altitude is considerable, but technically the path remains straightforward. Walking poles and enough time for the descent are nevertheless recommended. The stage is part of the Schwyzer Höhenweg, a regional long-distance route.
For breaks there are the Restaurant Bahnhöfli at the start, the Hotel-Restaurant zum Goldenen Hirschen at kilometre 1.8, the Sandhütte at kilometre 2 and the Berggasthaus Rigi Dächli at kilometre 4.8. The tour is recommended from May to October.
Grading
Good to know
Getting there / public transport
By public transport to Arth-Goldau and on by the Rigi railway to Rigi Staffel. Current timetable at sbb.ch.
Food and drink
Restaurant Bahnhöfli at the start, Hotel-Restaurant zum Goldenen Hirschen at kilometre 1.8, Sandhütte at kilometre 2 and Berggasthaus Rigi Dächli at kilometre 4.8.
Best time of year
Recommended: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct