Another weekend ahead, a friend of mine and I decided to go on a day hike. As we both already made a lot of sport during the week, we wanted to take it easy this time. He suggested to head to Braunwald as he once went skiing there. A quick research online and we settled for the panoramic trail just above Braunwald. A part of taking it easy was to go a bit later than usual, so we arrived only at around 10:30 am at the parking lot in Linthal. Braunwald is car free and is well known for recreational holidays in summer or skiing in winter. So we took the railway from Linthal up to Braunwald and for once it didn't feel like cheating at all. It's also possible to walk up that part, but it's steep and mainly in the forest with no views, so the only reason to do this would be if you want to get in shape. :) The friendly and helpful staff at the railway station gave us a map of the area and we learned that there was a second panoramic trail starting from Braunwald connecting with the other trail halfway through. That sounded good to us and we decided to walk them both. Soon after the beginning we made our way out of the village and were greeted by the first panoramic view.
Unfortunately there were already a few clouds, but the view was gorgeus anyway. The walk upwards was gentle and it took us not that long to reach the junction where we switched onto the other trail. The first part of this second trail led mainly through the forest with not too many views of the surroundings. But once out of the trees we came upon a lookout towards the town of Glarus and the alps around it. Nice! And a little bit later we passed a bench that made it impossible to keep walking on. We settled down and had lunch with an awesome view.
On sunny days with no clouds this spot would be a dream. After the lunch we carried on and soon reached the restaurant of Gumen, the highest point of the panoramic trail. Even though the hike was not too strenuous so far, a refreshment was well deserved and of course a viking never says no to a locally brewed beer. :) At the restaurant we learned that we couldn't continue on the panoramic trail as there still was snow and the danger of rock fall. So we took a different path which was kind of a short cut as it rejoined the panoramic trail later on. The descent was as gentle as the ascent and we still enjoyed the views of the surrounding mountains.
Passing the junction again we turned right there to complete the first trail. Down it went and soon the first houses of Braunwald were in sight. And for once the timing was perfect. We arrived back at the railway station and had enough time to relax a little and try another local beer before heading down again to the parking lot at Linthal. Mission accomplished, as for once we kept true to our own word and really took it easy. :)
Highlight of the day: the bench for lunch
This hike is for you if:
- you want to do a hike with your whole family
- you want the possibility of extending or shortening your hike along the way
- you want to complete two panoramic trails in one day
- you're looking for a gentle hike with not too much difference in altitude
This hike is not for you if:
- you like it steep
- you prefer to walk on wild and lonely trails
Comments