Gaschurn via the Rifabecken to Partenen

Instead of taking the bus, in winter you can walk on a path of your own from Gaschurn (979 m) to Partenen (1,051 m), the easternmost village in the Montafon at the foot of the Silvretta High Alpine Road. From the centre the path leads behind the Hotel Felbermayer to the Maria Schnee chapel built in 1637, over the Ill bridge and through the old hamlets of Trantrauas to the Rifabecken, the Illwerke's balancing reservoir at around 1,007 m. Along the reservoir and past the Vermunt power station – commissioned in 1930, the plant with which the Illwerke story began – you reach the centre of Partenen via the Alte Schulstraße. 4.09 km, 126 m up, 52 m down, about 1½ hours, easy; according to the provincial trail data mostly groomed around Rifa.

From our house 6 minutes by car to Gaschurn (parking at the municipal office or at the school opposite the Versettla cable car) or about 10 minutes on Landbus 650; the same line brings you back from Partenen – about 20 minutes to St. Gallenkirch. Refreshments in Gaschurn and Partenen. In Partenen the Vermunt cable car and tunnel bus leave for the Bielerhöhe (winter 2026/27: 25 December 2026 to 18 April 2027), should you wish to extend the day high up.

Emergency: Alpine rescue 140 · Euro emergency 112 · Ambulance 144
All information without guarantee. Please check weather, opening hours and cable car operating times before setting off. Alpine tours require personal responsibility, suitable equipment and experience.

Last updated: 13 Sep 2026 · Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)