Fürstensteig

Fürstensteig (“Prince’s Way”) is a high-alpine day hike in Liechtenstein’s Rätikon area, mapped as a loop from Gaflei back to Gaflei. The route uses secured cliff sections with wire ropes and railing in exposed terrain, so it’s built for hikers who are comfortable on narrow, high drops.

The standard route is commonly described as about 11.9–12 km with roughly 819 m of ascent. Typical hiking time is about 4–6 hours depending on pace and how long you stay in the exposed areas and at viewpoints.

From the Gaflei start at about 1,400 m, the path climbs continuously across alp and mountain-forest terrain before turning into steeper, more exposed sections. At the Gaflei saddle, you’ll reach a point where the Drei Schwestern (Three Sisters) mountains are visible in the distance.

The protected cliff-line character becomes the key technical feel of the hike: passages are signposted and include steep passages through a gap, plus a “Chemi”/Kamin section that’s part of the main route line. Expect some scrambling/step-like terrain rather than only gentle tread.

After the Kamin/Chemi area, the route works down toward the Bargälla saddle. The line then continues with a shorter return leg back to Gaflei, completing the loop.

Highest point on the combined route is listed around 2,052 m, with a low point around 769 m—so you get a large elevation swing even though it’s designed as a day hike. Longest-distance planning should assume real downhill time as well as the ascent, not just “up then down.”

For planning: the route is frequently accessed in summer to early autumn; lingering snow patches are possible well into late spring on the higher, exposed sections. Conditions can also cause interruptions, so it’s worth checking the trail’s status close to your hike day.

More information: Exciting hike on the Fürstensteig Trail in Liechtenstein, Fürstensteig - Three Sisters, Fürstensteig