Vorderthal in the Wägital: Lake, mountains and hiking trails

Vorderthal lies at the foot of Gross Aubrig and at the starting point of the Sattelegg Pass. The village itself is situated in a gentle hollow surrounded by wooded hills. The municipality ranges from 602 to 1,695 metres above sea level and therefore encompasses a variety of elevations. The lake, hiking trails and ski lift offer different ways to plan a stay in the Wägital.

Landscape and location

The Wägital remains strongly shaped by agriculture. In the municipality of Vorderthal, 35 percent of the area is agricultural land and 60 percent is covered by woodland and forest. These land-use figures refer to the municipality; the agricultural character describes the wider Wägital. This distinction helps set the local figures apart from the character of the valley as a whole.

Hiking and activities

There is a hiking route around Lake Wägital. The lakeside walk at Lake Wägital has no major climbs and is suitable for families with young children. A high-altitude hike leads from Vorderthal via Rötstock and Salbügel to Brüschstockbügel at 1,488 metres. From there, the route descends to Innerthal; along the way, you can enjoy a view of the Glarus and Uri high Alps.

Gross Aubrig is considered a landmark of Vorderthal. The hike up the mountain promises views of seven lakes: Lake Wägital, Lake Zurich, Lake Greifensee, Lake Pfäffikon, Lake Lucerne, Lake Walen and Lake Sempach. Another hike leads to Pfiffegg and offers panoramic views of the Zurich Oberland and the surrounding mountains. The Gusöteli–Siebnen route is suitable for walkers, families and older hikers.

Cycling is also one of the activities available in the area around Vorderthal, including touring, mountain biking and road cycling. In the wider Wägital, you can explore the area on foot via hiking trails or by boat on Lake Wägital. This gives you a choice of both routes on land and ways to experience the lake in its regional setting.

Winter at the Wägital ski lift

The base station of the Wägital ski lift is on the right-hand side of the valley in Vorderthal, at an altitude of 750 metres. The ride to the top station at Dorlaui takes around seven minutes. The top station is at 1,260 metres and offers views of the March region and the mountain peaks of the Wägital. The ski lift has a varied downhill run with different sections; the pistes are groomed with a modern piste basher. There are also avalanche-safe off-piste runs along the ski lift. As operating conditions can vary seasonally and snow conditions depend on the season, check the current lift status before setting off.

Parish church and local history

Vorderthal Parish Church stands in the heart of the village. It was founded in 1785 as a curacy or chaplaincy of Innerthal and has been an independent parish since 1816. Vorderthal’s heraldic symbols also tell the story of the village church: the key and sword refer to Saints Peter and Paul, the church’s patron saints.

Getting here from Zurich

From Zurich, drive via the Lachen motorway exit towards Siebnen, then take Wägitalstrasse. This route provides a guide for your journey to Vorderthal before you plan your time in the valley around the lake, high-altitude hikes, local history and seasonal winter activities.

Discover more destinations: Tuggen, Wangen, Innerthal, Lachen, Reichenburg

Return to the main travel overview: March.