St. Antönier Joch is a striking mountain pass straddling the Austrian-Swiss border, connecting the Gargellental valley with the St. Antöniental valley. This is a place where a history of smugglers and wartime refugees meets today's hikers and ski tourers, with sweeping views over the Rätikon range rewarding every step of the climb.

The pass sits on the main ridge of the Rätikon range, flanked by the Gargellner Köpfe to the south and the Riedkopf to the north. The scenery is classic high-alpine terrain - rocky ridges, alpine meadows and far-reaching views across the surrounding peaks. In summer it's a favorite for hikers and nature lovers, while in winter it becomes a popular destination for ski tourers. Thanks to the geological diversity on the Austrian side, the area supports rare alpine wildlife, including the rock thrush, a species seldom seen in Vorarlberg.

How to get there

• From the upper station of the Schafbergbahn cable car (Gargellen) via the Täli — about 90 minutes, moderate difficulty
• From St. Antönien (Switzerland) — about 3 hours 45 minutes
• A circular route known as the smugglers' path leads from the Schafbergbahn station to the St. Antönier Joch, along the ridge of the Gargellner Köpfe to Lake Gafiersee, then over the Gafierjoch and back via the Madrisatäli

Practical information

• The Austrian side of the pass lies within the Röbi Rongg protected white zone
• The ridge from St. Antönier Joch to Riedkopf is an important habitat for high-alpine wildlife
• In winter the pass is popular with ski tourers

During the Nazi era, this pass served as a dangerous but real escape route into Switzerland - today the same trail draws travelers seeking quiet and spectacular views instead.