From Degersheim to Mogelsberg in the Toggenburg Region

Friday April 4, 2025 -- I went to visit a friend today, who lives in Mogelsberg in the Toggenburg region of eastern Switzerland. But because it was such a spectacularly beautiful day, I incorporated a late morning / early afternoon walk, starting in the town of Degersheim nearby, and walking about 6 kilometers, (two hours) to her village. 

In most towns are two churches (Catholic and Evangelical) and even though these particular buildings aren't very old, I checked both of them out. Then after a short climb I walked along the crest of a hill above the railway line with lots of nice views of the Alpstein Massif and Mt.Säntis to the southeast. Lots of small footpaths made it a pleasant walk, except for the final ascent to the village at about 1:30 p.m. At that point the day was quite warm, and I could have used a shower by the time I got to Mogelsberg.

On the way to the Toggenburg, the train passes through the landscape at the south end of Lake Luzern, and here the large trees are starting to blossom! Leaving home at shortly before 9 a.m., it was a trip of less than two hours to get to Degersheim where I was starting my walk. 

View from the train toward the mountains of the Linth Valley to the south. 

The train passes via the charming town of Lichtensteig on the way to Degersheim. This is a town we haven't visited yet. 

Starting at 10:45 in the town of Degersheim, I got to Mogelsberg at 13:40. After visiting with my friend, it was a 10-minute walk to the train station, and from there a 2-hour trip home. 

I got to Degersheim at about 10:45, and went to have a look at the two churches dominating the townscape. This is the Evangelical church, built at the start of the 20th Century, so not very old. 

Inside of the Evangelical Church in Degersheim. The Evangelical churches are usually less ornate than the Catholic ones. 

After walking down the main street in Degersheim, I went to have a look at the Catholic church, which is called the Jakobuskirche.

These very pretty and typical Toggenburg houses are just across from the Catholic church. 

The original Catholic church built in 1494 burned down in a town fire of 1818. So this building is not very old, completed in 1924. 

The interior of the Jakobus Church is in Neobaroque style. The church was built in 1924 after the original chapel was mostly damaged in a massive town fire in 1818. 

Details of the altar in the church. 

Back of the church with the massive organ. 

Across from the church is the "Gemeindehaus" (Town Hall). 

Heading through the town, I admire some of the typical houses of this area. 

I enjoy looking at the seasonal (or otherwise) decorations people make in their windows or their yards. 

This stoic cat was sitting in the middle of the road, totally oblivious of what was going on around him. 

The path now heads up the hill and to the left into the forest and the upper farmlands. 

A look behind me at the town of Degersheim as I head up the hill. 

The Toggenburg countryside with typical rolling hills

This is right near the look-out point 

I got to the look-out point at "Chruz" (Cross) at noon, from where I got the first view of the Alpstein Massif and Mt.Säntis to the southeast. These wooden recliners are kind of cool!

I preferred a bench where I had my picnic lunch!

The look-out point is called "Chrüz" because there is a cross monument up here. 

As I walk along the crest of the hill, this is the view to the north. The little village here is called Mämetswil. 

A nice soft footpath follows the tree-line along the crest of this hill. 

Only two other hikers on this particular trail this day. 

Past the leafless branches I get the odd look at the summit of Mt.Säntis to the southeast. 

The landscape to the southeast. Below is a valley where the train runs between Mogelsberg and Degersheim

My first glimpse of the village of Mogelsberg where I will end my walk. The railway station is in the valley below, and it is quite a walk from there up to the village! I will be descending into the valley further to the west, and approaching the village from the west side. 

This little cluster of buildings which I am now approaching is called Hueb. 

Attempting another self-timed photo, so that I can be on some of my pictures!

Passing through the little hamlet called Hueb. 

Another clearer look at Mt.Säntis and the Alpstein Massif. 

The tower of the parish churc in the village of Mogelsberg is quite visible now. 

This little group of houses is called "Egg". I passed through there, and then descended to the stream called Böschenbach. On the far side of another ravine is a small village called Nassen.  

Crossing the Böschenbach stream. From here it was a very hot 20-minute ascent to Mogelsberg. 

Approaching Mogelsberg from the west side. I have been here many times, but have always come from the train station to the north.  

This large Gasthaus is on the main street in Mogelsberg. My friend's house is right next to it, both quite old, traditional Toggenburg houses. I got here at 13:40.

After a three-hour visit, I headed to the train station at just after 5 p.m., for the 2½-hour trip home.  

This is what my walk looks like on Google Satellite Maps

These are all the hikes we have done in the region around Degersheim and Wattwil in the Toggenburg region of eastern Switzerland. 

More of the Toggenburg countryside in the lovely late afternoon sunshine, as the train makes its way toward Wattwil.

One of my favourite views of the Churfirsten mountains, as the train leaves the Wattwil station. I take this photo every time, and we have passed through here many times!

From the Toggenburg, the train passes through the Ricken Tunnel and emerges along the upper part of Lake Zurich, called the Obersee. Here the train passes over a land-bridge between Lake Zurich and the Obersee from Rapperswil to Pfäffikon. There is a boardwalk in the lake, which we have walked once before. The beautiful mountains at the back are part of the Glarus Alps. 

And on the final stretch of the train from Thalwil on Lake Zurich to Zug, we get this view of Mt.Rigi as the train passes through Baar. 

Location of this part of the Toggenburg region within Switzerland.