It connects Nesslau-Neu St. Johann in Toggenburg in St. Gallen and Urnäsch in Appenzell Ausserrhoden. It is named after the Schwägalp peak (el. 1,360m or 4,462ft) on the north face of Säntis (el. 2,502m or 8,209ft), which is the starting point of the aerial tramway to the top of Säntis. It was built in 1935.
The pass road has a maximum grade of 12 percent (12%).