This short winter hike loops around a peaceful mountain area on the opposite side of the Malbun ski area. It has beautiful views of peaks, valleys, forests, and rolling snowy hills.
Great for your budget, since this hike doesn’t require mountain transport. It’s a short loop, so good for a half-day outing.
During winter season, the trail is regularly groomed with machines, so you only need comfortable winter shoes to enjoy it. But I would bring traction cleats in case there are icy patches.
Quick Info
| Region | Liechtenstein, near eastern Switzerland border |
| Starting point: | Malbun |
| By car: | parking near Malbun ski area – see on map From Zürich 1h30, Chur 45 mins |
| By public transport: | Bus stop: Malbun, Bergbahnen From Zürich 2h, Chur 1h30 |
| Trail: | 2h • ⬇️trail map |
| Distance: | 5 km loop |
| Difficulty: | moderate • 280 m up & down |
| Condition: | groomed snow, marked route |
| Elevation: | 1600m to 1786m |
| Open: | Dec to March |
| Cost: | free |
| Services: | restaurants and WC in Malbun village near ski lifts |
| More info: | Malbun region • weather • webcams |
Gallery
Trail overview
This map shows the trail starting at the Malbun parking and bus stop. We prefer hiking clockwise, but it doesn’t really matter which direction.
At the fork in the trail (#2), you can hike about 10 mins further to the Saasförkle pass for a nice view.
If snow conditions allow, you can hike a few minutes further up the mountain (to point #4) for an even better view. There are often snowshoe and ski touring tracks you can follow.
Then return the same way to the fork and continue the loop down to Malbun.
Hiking map
This trail map shows the official winter trail plus the optional short detour past the Sassförkle pass.
See map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
How to get there
This trail is located in Malbun, Liechtenstein, southeast of Zürich near the border of Switzerland.
You can reach the trailhead by car or bus, no mountain transport required.
By car: Drive to Malbun and park in any of the parking areas near the Malbun ski lift. See main parking lot on map. On busy days, staff will direct you to the available parking.
By public transport: The closest bus stop is Malbun, Bergbahnen. From Zürich, you typically take a train to Sargans, then a bus to Vaduz, then bus to Malbun, Bergbahnen.
Note: The Swiss Travel Pass, SBB GA, and SBB Day Pass include public transport within Liechtenstein.
Planning your day
When to go
During winter (Dec – March), the snow on this winter trail is regularly groomed by machines. Outside this season, you can walk this same trail without snow (Schönberg-Weg 999).
Costs
This trail is free. It does not require mountain transport.
Services
There are no restaurants along the trail. There are restaurants and public WC in the Malbun village and near the ski areas.
Photo story of the trail
Fork in the trail
At the fork in the trail, turn left to hike up to the Sassförkle pass. You will return to this point and continue the loop to the right.
Optional detour higher up the mountain
Continuing the loop
