Alvier, 2341 m

To the summit hut high above Lake Walen: The Alvier is one of the best viewpoints in Eastern Switzerland. Its location in the mountain range between the St. Gallen Rhine Valley and the Walensee valley offers magnificent vistas, including the Grisons and Glarus Alps, the striking Churfirsten mountain range, and far into Vorarlberg and Tyrol. Paths from various directions converge at the small, unassuming summit hut, with several roads on the Werdenberg offering shorter access. We opt for the popular steep path that leads up to the summit from the Palfrieser Alp balcony and return via the Schaneralp on the east side, thus essentially skirting the distinctive Gauschla. At the top, the view stretches as far as the eye can see, and you'll likely be most captivated by the fjord-like Lake Walen. And for those with enough leisure time, a romantic mountain experience is well worth staying at the Alvier hut to soak up the truly special atmosphere…