An Architecture Hike Through Toggenburg

Once again, it was time at Nightnurse to switch off our computers and lace up our hiking boots. Together with Ivo Bösch, an editor at Hochparterre and a guide specialising in architecture hikes, we set off through Toggenburg. After three days of hiking in Beverin Nature Park last year, we really should have known what we were getting into. Even so, we gathered at Zurich main station very early on Friday morning and in surprisingly good spirits – ready for two days of Toggenburg, architecture and a serious amount of climbing.

Day 1: From Starkenbach to Voralp

After several changes, we reached Starkenbach and took the Selun cableway – better known as the “crate lift” – for the first part of our ascent. Once at the top, there were no more shortcuts: the planned 18 kilometres spontaneously became 20, plus 600 metres of ascent and 900 metres of descent, backpacks included.

Along the way, there was plenty of scenery, fresh air and, naturally, architecture. With the Resonance Centre Peter Roth by Graber Pulver and the Klanghaus based on a design by Marcel Meili, realised by Staufer & Hasler, Ivo had made sure that even in the mountains we could not entirely leave work behind.

The Klanghaus was not entirely unfamiliar territory for Nightnurse: back in 2014, we created the visualisations for the project. Standing in front of the completed building twelve years later therefore felt particularly special.

After around five hours on the trail, we reached Voralp. By then, everyone probably agreed on one thing: a chair is pretty good architecture, too.

Day 2: From Voralp to Chäserrugg

Anyone who thought day two would be easier had evidently overlooked the line “+1,000 m, −0 m” in the programme. Seven kilometres took us almost continuously uphill across the karst landscape towards Chäserrugg.

At the top, views, food and the summit building with its restaurant by Herzog & de Meuron. It was clear that the climb had been worthwhile. And because one building by the Basel architects was apparently not enough, the Unterwasser valley station became another architectural stop on our way home.

For the journey home, we chose an eminently sensible combination of cable car, funicular, PostBus and train. By that point, our legs had done enough work of their own.

27 Kilometres Later

After two days, 27 kilometres and 1,600 metres of ascent, we were back in Zurich: a little more tired, probably a little stiffer, but richer in a few good stories.

And yes: hiking together builds a stronger team. Especially once nobody asks “How much farther?” or “Are we nearly there?” anymore.

A big thank-you to Ivo Bösch for planning and leading the tour, and for getting us safely – and without any major losses – through both stages again this year. Until next time! Our hiking boots can enjoy a well-earned rest for now, although a few will need replacing.

The Tour in Pictures