recommended route
Walk to Linthal, Funicular to Braunwald
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Sweeping mistPhoto: Jack Cunliffe, Macs Adventure
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
The weather can change rapidly in the Alps, always check the forecast before you start the days hiking and pack appropriately. If the weather is too rough, do not begin the trek.
There can be left over snow drifts early in the season, they have sometimes melted underneath - particularly if it covers moving water. Just because it looks solid, it doesn't mean it is. Exercise extreme caution when crossing such snow drifts and if possible walk around them to where you can see the solidity of the ground clearly.
Some of the ground can be uneven, with rocky/pebbly paths and even ice. Ensure you have suitable footwear with ankle support, and step cautiously when needed.
Much of the path is on clifftops and there has been some erosion, for this reason, the path is sometimes unclear, be careful of the drop and of loose rocks and edges to the cliffs.
Some of the gates are cattle deterrents and are electrified, be sure to use the plastic handles and reattach the cable to the housing when you pass through, they are 12 volts, so not dangerous but very unpleasant.
Tips and hints
Food and Drink
There is an honesty box and fridge of snacks and drinks at around 11 kilometres at a farm after the second pass, other than this no food stops are available. It is a long and hard day, bring plenty of food and water.
Points of Interest
View of Toedi
The highest peak in the region at 3614 metres, once you navigate the pass you can see the mighty frame of Toedi to your left, jokingly called the king of small mountains as it is the biggest in this area, but there are much bigger.
Richetlipass
The second pass of the walk at 2261 m, it is a very steep climb to it out of the valley. The views are stunning in all directions and the landscape changes dramatically as you descend.
Alpine mountaintop valley
After the first fairly minor pass, you drop into a great green bowl veined with alpine streams and sheltered from the winds. Crossing this bowl you can see marmots and birds of prey as well as goat and sheep before you make the ascent to the Richetlipass on the other side.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
0.00 km - Leave the hotel and TURN RIGHT, then at the T Junction TURN LEFT, this road ascends up the valley, and although a big road is very quiet
3.90 km - TURN RIGHT off the main road onto a smaller road that ascends past a water fountain signed to Linthal 6 hours 30 min
4.10 km - On the bend of the road, TURN LEFT up the grassy ridge (the path is barely visible) rising above a farm building to your right, the ridge turns into a path and rejoins the road further up
4.30 km - As you join the road TURN LEFT
4.50 km - BEAR RIGHT off the road signed for Richetlipass ascending
5.20 km - At the crossroads where the path meets a track, carry STRAIGHT ON, looking out for the red and white markers from here on in
5.40 km - At the tarmac road, cross straight over and continue on the path
5.60 km - At the tarmac road, cross straight over and continue on the path
5.90 km - As you join the tarmac road this time, TURN RIGHT and follow the road, it passes a sign for Linthal and ascends towards a farm
6.10 km - BEAR RIGHT through the farm and pass the sign for Linthal 5 hours 30 mins, follow this route when the path splits, BEAR LEFT following the red and white marker, ignoring the other marker that directs you to the right
7.80 km - The path is eroded, be careful of footing
8.50 km - Cross the first pass and BEAR RIGHT to descend into the valley, when you come to the hut BEAR RIGHT to cross the valley and then follow the markers as they lead you up the other side of the valley
11.00 km - You reach the crest of Richtlipass, continue straight over and descend the other side, the path is narrow and zig zags so be careful of your footing, signed for Linthal, 3 hours 15 min
12.30 km - The path meets a ridge, traverse the top
13.20 km The path drops into an open green field, follow the waymarkers then after 200 metres BEAR RIGHT and cross a small river as the path turns into a track
13.80 km Cross a larger bridge and continue
14.20 km - After passing a farm, TURN RIGHT signed for Via Alpina and cross another vehicle bridge
15.20 km - Pass by a farm, they have an honesty box and a fridge full of juice and cheese, BEAR RIGHT after the farm to continue on the track
16.20 km - The track turns into a road, continue STRAIGHT ON
16.80 km - TURN LEFT off the road signed for Linthal keeping an eye out for the red and white markers as the path winds through fields and forest
17.80 km - TURN LEFT off the trail through a small electric gate in the field, onto a smaller trail, as the trail drops you meet a vehicle track, TURN RIGHT to join this track
18.70 km - The track joins a road, BEAR LEFT descending
19.60 km - You have arrived on Linthal high street, the Church is to your right, you have finished the days trekking.
Make your way to the Linthal-Braunwaldbahn funicular station (10 minute walk from the church), and take it up to Braunwald. The funicular takes about 10 mins and runs late into the evening. Check www.sbb.ch/en for timetables.
Public transport
At the end of the day's walk, make your way to the Linthal-Braunwaldbahn funicular station, and take it up to Braunwald. The funicular takes about 10 mins and runs late into the evening. Check www.sbb.ch/en for timetables.
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