A unique themed trail
The Triesenberg Walser Legends Trail opened in spring 2007 and expanded in the following years. This unique circular route can be explored in stages and is intended to bring locals and visitors closer to the history and legends of the Walser people of Triesenberg. At various stops along the trail, a selection of legends from a rich treasure trove of stories is shared. This family-friendly hike includes play areas and barbecue facilities, allowing visitors to make the most of their visit. The numerous mythical figures and playgrounds along the trail are sure to delight and entertain children.
The trail leads through a distinctive cultural landscape of colourful flora and offers spectacular views. It wasn’t until the 13th century that the area of Triesenberg was permanently settled by the Walser migrants. Their forest-clearing activities have shaped the landscape, and the stables and haybarns scattered throughout the area are testimony to their former way of farming. The hay harvested in the summer was fed to animals in stables after their return from mountain pastures, with farmers moving from stable to stable like nomads.
Facts and figures
| Total trail length | 11.8 km (5 hours walking time) |
| Lowest point | Village centre: 884 m above sea level |
| Highest point | Masescha: 1264 m above sea level |
| Elevation | 380 m |
Route description
Part 1: Walser Museum village centre to Masescha
The route is very well marked.
5.5 kilometres, 380 metres in altitude (ascent),
2.5 hours walking time
The starting point is the Triesenberg Walser Museum on the village square. After a short stretch downhill on Schlossstrasse, the path branches off to the right onto Gschindstrasse and leads into the meadows of Üerlischboda. After a short ascent to Tobelweg, the hamlet of Rotaboda follows.
In the upper part of the hamlet, Erbistrasse turns off to the left. It leads through forest and meadow slopes via Mattla and Hinderwasser to the Erbi forest clearing. Here begins the somewhat steep ascent to the road to Hinder Prufatscheng. This lonely hamlet is an old Walser settlement that is now only used for farming. Further up on the edge of the path in Oberguad is an old stable from 1793, and right next to it is a rest area with a surprisingly beautiful view of the northern Rhine Valley and the surrounding mountains. A panorama board explains the mountain peaks. After crossing the Erbirüfi, the narrow path leads to Vorder Prufatscheng. Continue along a track past the gypsum holes to Masescha. The chapel marks the first religious centre of the Walser people who immigrated here in the 13th century.
Part 2: Masescha to Studa playground
The trail is very well marked.
2.3 kilometres, 40 metres in altitude (descent),
1 hour walking time
The easy second part of the trail begins here. Turn right above the Masescha chapel. The Philosophenweg begins at the end of the tarmac road. There is a playground for children and a rest area. The easy hiking trail leads to Mitätsch, where another panorama board explains the mountain peaks in the southern Rhine Valley. Via Gnalp you reach the playground in Studa. Here you will find a large wooden figure of the legendary giant of Guflina and the fearsome dragon. A fireplace and the playground invite you to take a long break. If you don’t want to walk the third part of the Walser Legends Trail, you can take the LIEmobil bus from the Rizlina bus stop back to the village centre in just a few minutes.
Part 3: From Rizlina (Studa playground) to the starting point (village centre)
The trail is very well marked.
4.0 kilometres, 340 metres in altitude (descent),
1.5 hours walking time
From the Studa rest area, the signpost points westward and the third part of the themed trail leads down to the Lattawaldweg. Continue south and turn right onto the Geisslerweg. Past an old dry stone wall, the rockfall protection dam below the mountain forest follows at the end of the path. Below the dam, a forest path leads to the Ried district and after a short stretch of road, there is another legend station at the children’s playground. The path leads past the ‘Basler Hüsli’ and into the Burkat district. An oversized wooden figure invites you to learn more about the Triesenberg legend ‘der Weidmann’. Further downhill, the Walser Legends Trail meets the forest nature trail and the Teufiwäg fitness trail. Now follow this trail to the rest area on Rossbodastrasse. From here it is not far to the starting point in the village centre.