Hikes
Tectonic Arena Sardona

Via GeoAlpina Tectonic Arena Sardona (Stage 1: Weisstannen - Elm)

View of the world famous Glarner Hauptüberschiebung!

The Via GeoAlpina is a joint project of the Alpine countries launched in the framework of the International Year of Planet Earth 2007. The aim of the project is to make the public aware of the geological, geomorphological or hydrological highlights along the various routes of the ViaAlpina from Trieste to Monaco.

Two stages of the Via GeoAlpina lead right through the World Heritage SwissTectonic Arena Sardona.

The first one leads from Weisstannen to Elm. On this stage, one can observe a geological phenomenon of world dimensions: the Glarner Hauptüberschiebung. This shapes the landscape along the route and is clearly visible on the mountain flanks.

Short Info
Difficulty
difficult
Distance
23 km
Duration
7 hours 50 min.
Start altitude
1'004 m a.s.l.
End altitude
974 m a.s.l.
Ascent
1'262 m
Descent
1'288 m
Lowest point
974 m a.s.l.
Highest point
2'223 m a.s.l.
  • Schedule
    1
    Journey
    to Weisstannen, Vorsiez
  • 2
    Via GeoAlpina Tectonic Arena Sardona (Stage 1: Weisstannen - Elm)
    Hikes
    Tectonic Arena Sardona difficult
  • Schedule
    3
    Return trip
    from Weisstannen, Vorsiez
  • Attention: the bus from Sargans goes only on weekends directly to the indicated stop. On weekdays you have to change the bus at Pizolpark.

    From Zurich on the A3 to Mels, leave the highway at the exit Mels / Sargans, the way to Weisstannen valley is signposted from the highway exit. Last possible parking in Weisstannen.