Dreischwestern massif (Drei Schwestern)

The mountain

The Dreischwestern massif, usually called Drei Schwestern locally, is a compact group of three rock pinnacles in the Rätikon. It sits on the border between Planken in Liechtenstein and Frastanz in Austria, with steep western faces above the Alpine Rhine Valley.

The three summits are the Grosse Schwester (2,053m), Mittlere Schwester (about 2,048m) and Kleine Schwester (2,034m). The narrow, broken skyline gives the massif its name and makes it a conspicuous landmark from the valley.

Choose the right route

This is alpine terrain, not a casual viewpoint walk. The main options are:

• Planken loop: a demanding 15.9km circuit via Gafadura and Sarojasattel, taking about six hours with 1,233m of ascent.
• Fuerstensteig traverse: the classic one-way route begins at Gaflei, follows the secured Fuerstensteig, crosses the ridge via Kuegrat and Garsellikopf, then descends past the Drei Schwestern to Planken. Allow about 5 hours 30 minutes for 11.9km.
• Garsella bypass: easier mountain paths can avoid the rocky summit section via Garsella Alpe and Garsella Eck.

The ridge route links the three summits to Kuegrat, at 2,123m the high point of the wider traverse. Expect long views over the Rhine Valley towards Lake Constance and across the Rätikon.

Technical ground

The ascent from Sarojasattel to the Drei Schwestern is rated T4. It includes exposed and steep ground, fixed protection and two ladders. Sure-footedness, a head for heights and alpine experience are requirements, not optional extras. The Fuerstensteig also has secured exposed passages.

Snow can remain into late spring; route conditions can change or trails can close. Treat wet rock, fresh snow and poor visibility as reasons to choose a lower route. Carry proper mountain footwear, warm layers, water and a detailed hiking map.

Access and stops

For the Planken circuit, take the LIEmobil bus to Planken, Schulhaus and continue on foot. The Gaflei-to-Planken traverse is practical by bus: start from Vaduz Post to Gaflei, then return from Planken’s Hotel Saroja stop. Parking is available at Gaflei.

Gafadura Hut, at 1,428m above Planken, is a useful stop on the northern side; it provides food and overnight accommodation roughly from mid-May to mid-October. It is not on every direct line to the summit, so factor in the detour.

A mountain with a story

A Liechtenstein legend explains the formation as three sisters turned to stone after gathering berries instead of observing a religious feast. It is a neat fit for the massif’s three distinct pinnacles—but on the trail, focus on the marked route, the terrain and the border ridge.