Hike Report – ‘Fuerstensteig’ (SM 994)

Description

Fuerstensteig (“The prince’s steep track”) is a short, but sweet hiking trail in Lichtenstein, the tiny country next to its big brother Switzerland (which is the tiny country below Germany).

As the name implies, it’s rather steep. It’s also intended for sure-footed hikers, and you enter at your own risk (as is always the case when pursing outdoor activities), as there is a danger of rockfall.

As for views – the reward for the ascent – you get the “three sisters” from one end of the ridge, and a vista of the complete Liechtenstein Alps from the other.

Notes

• Exposed passages are secured with steel wire ropes, rails, or similar features.
• Parts of the route don’t get sun and may be snow covered even in early summer and autumn. Bring a set of warm(er) clothes and expect to pass snow fields. Prepare accordingly or only go in high summer.

Impressions

We did this hike on a warm day in the end of October, and were a bit surprised to find snow and cold winds on one side of the ridge. Given the steepness of the snow covered areas and the shoes we were wearing, not to mention the sweat-drenched T-shirts, the smart thing would probably have been to turn around. We’re not always smart though, and pushed on anyway. We survived, obviously.

The reward for slowly and carefully climbing the last few meters of snow packed trail was worth it:

Upon traversing the passage from the shady to the sunny side of the ridge, we were not only greeted with the welcome, warming rays of the sun, but a fantastic view of the alps that lasted for the whole ridge portion of the trail.

Give this trail a try if you’re sure footed, aware of the dangers and experienced enough to gauge them, and need/want something short but sweet in the area.

Stats & Info

Basic

Trail

Route Gallery

Note that these images were shot on my old HTC 10 phone, before I finally bought a “real” camera. Nonetheless, full size images without watermarks are available for licensing to interested parties. Check romans.pictures, or contact me for details.