Ricken Pass

Rickenpass

A scenic mountain pass connecting Schwyz canton with eastern Switzerland, offering panoramic views and excellent hiking and cycling opportunities. The pass features historic inns and traditional mountain culture along important Alpine routes.

Things to do

• Hiking to Ricken Summit — A moderate alpine walk to the 1,315-meter pass summit offering panoramic views across the Säntis massif and down to the Walensee lake.
• Mountain Biking via Rickenpass — A popular cross-alpine cycling route connecting Schwyz with the Toggenburg valley, suitable for intermediate to advanced riders with challenging descents.
• Visit Ricken Chapel — A small historic chapel near the pass summit reflecting the region's spiritual heritage and offering a quiet stop during mountain traversal.
• Explore Rickenbach Valley — A scenic side valley accessible from the pass featuring traditional chalets, wildflower meadows in summer, and views toward the eastern Alpine foothills.
• Stay at Historic Mountain Inns — Traditional hospitality at century-old inns along the pass route where travelers have rested for generations on the historic trade route.
• Alpine Photography Tour — The pass offers exceptional vantage points for capturing the Glarus Alps, limestone formations, and dramatic weather changes across seasons.

Food to try

• Älplermagronen — A hearty mountain pasta dish from the region made with egg noodles, potatoes, and cheese, traditionally served at alpine inns with caramelized onions.
• Appenzell Sour Cheese — A pungent, herb-brined cheese produced in nearby regions and frequently served at Rickenpass inns as part of a traditional alpine cheese board.
• Rösti with Local Herbs — Crispy potato pancakes prepared with wild herbs and mountain dairy butter, reflecting Swiss mountain cuisine at its simplest and most satisfying.
• Ricken Walnut Bread — A traditional dark bread baked locally with walnuts, often sold at pass inns and reflecting centuries of mountain bakery traditions.
• Fresh Alpine Milk and Butter — The region's dairy products from cattle grazing high alpine pastures are sold directly at some inns, showcasing unprocessed mountain farming.

Local customs & good to know

• Historic Trade Route Awareness — The Rickenpass has functioned as a critical Alpine crossing for centuries; understanding this heritage context enriches appreciation of the landscape and infrastructure.
• Weather Changes Rapidly — Alpine conditions shift suddenly at this elevation; visitors should carry waterproof layers and check forecasts, as the pass can experience sudden fog and rain even in summer.
• Respect Mountain Farming Life — The pass region remains home to active dairy and alpine farmers; visitors should stay on marked trails and not disturb grazing cattle or mountain infrastructure.
• Inn Hospitality Customs — Mountain inns follow a tradition of warmth toward tired travelers; greeting proprietors and lingering over meals is culturally appreciated rather than rushed.