4.7
(341)
2,829
hikers
51
hikes
Hiking around Unterschächen offers access to dramatic alpine landscapes within the Schächen Valley, characterized by impressive three-thousander peaks and deep valleys. The region features a network of trails that traverse varied terrain, including high-altitude paths, forested sections, and routes leading to significant natural features. Notable landmarks include the Stäuben Waterfall and the Klausen Pass, providing diverse hiking experiences.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
7
hikers
12.6km
04:54
680m
1,320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(53)
424
hikers
4.82km
01:56
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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4.9
(29)
231
hikers
7.71km
02:18
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(26)
142
hikers
12.6km
05:00
790m
790m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.6
(47)
213
hikers
14.2km
05:16
650m
650m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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The Klausen Pass is a 1,948 m above sea level mountain pass in the Swiss canton of Uri, connecting the canton's core area to Glarus via the Urner Boden valley, which is continuously inhabited in winter and therefore a functional exclave. The pass leads from Altdorf (canton of Uri) through the Schächen Valley, over the pass summit and the parish of Urnerboden to Linthal in the canton of Glarus. The pass summit forms the border between the Uri municipality of Unterschächen and the Urner Boden region, which belongs to Spiringen.
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Parking for the start of the tour to the waterfall
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Great viewpoint of the Urnerboden and the mountains
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Here you can see the lake beautifully from above with the glacier that feeds it
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Cold lake great for cooling feet and a great place to take a break with a view of the glacier and the mountains
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A cold lake to cool your feet. I even saw some people jump right in. Otherwise, a great place to take a break with a view of the glacier and the mountains.
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A fabulous high-altitude trail, with stunning views and even more fascinating with clouds. The trail offers a pleasant incline and gradient, crossing meadows and lots of rock and scree. The glacier at the lake is a highlight. This high-altitude trail offers pure nature to enjoy.
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The small Wäspenseeli lake lies at an elevation of 2,145 meters. The shimmering green water invites you to swim and relax after the long climb.
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Unterschächen offers a diverse range of trails, from easy strolls suitable for families to challenging mountain expeditions. You'll find high-altitude paths with stunning views, routes crossing alpine meadows, rock, and scree, and paths leading to impressive natural features like waterfalls and mountain lakes. The region is known for its dramatic alpine landscapes and deep valleys.
Yes, Unterschächen has several easy and family-friendly options. A romantic and accessible walk leads to Alp Äsch, a beautiful spot with picnic facilities and farm animals, offering breathtaking views of the Stäuben Waterfall. An easy walk from Unterschächen Ribi to the Stäuben Waterfall and back is also suitable for all skill levels.
The Stäuben Waterfall is a major highlight and can be admired from various trails. A popular moderate loop is the Ribi Parking Area – View of Stäuber Waterfall loop from Unterschächen, which takes you through alpine meadows and forests. For a more challenging experience, consider the View of Stäuber Waterfall – Oberalp Inn loop from Unterschächen.
Beyond the impressive Stäuben Waterfall, hikers can explore the scenic Klausen Pass, which offers stunning views and serves as a starting point for high-altitude trails. The Klausen Pass summit – View of Gletscherseeli loop from Klausenpass is a great way to experience this area. Other notable features include Alp Äsch and the picturesque Brunnital Valley with its historic Bielen-Säge sawmill.
Yes, several routes in Unterschächen are designed as loops. For example, the Klausen Pass summit – View of Gletscherseeli loop from Klausenpass offers a moderate high-alpine experience. Another option is the Ribi Parking Area – View of Stäuber Waterfall loop from Unterschächen, which is also a loop through meadows and forests.
Yes, the region features several mountain huts that serve as excellent resting points or starting points for further adventures. Notable huts include the Lidernen Hut (SAC), Windgällen Hut, and Glattalp Hut. Alp Äsch also has a small restaurant.
There are over 50 hiking routes available in Unterschächen, catering to various skill levels. This includes approximately 3 easy trails, 22 moderate trails, and 26 difficult trails, ensuring options for every hiker.
The trails in Unterschächen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 300 reviews. Hikers often praise the dramatic alpine landscapes, the impressive waterfalls, and the diverse terrain that offers something for everyone.
Yes, public transport is a viable option. Postbuses facilitate access to areas like the Klausen Pass, which serves as a starting point for numerous hikes. This makes point-to-point hikes more convenient.
Yes, the region features beautiful high-alpine lakes. One popular route, From the Ribi-Wannelen mountain station to Wäspenseeli, connects a mountain station to the stunning Wäspenseeli, offering expansive views. The Klausen Pass summit – View of Gletscherseeli loop from Klausenpass also explores a glacier lake.
Unterschächen is surrounded by impressive three-thousander peaks such as Gross Ruchen, Schärhorn, and Clariden. Other notable peaks include Chaiserstock Summit, known for its airy paths, and Druesberg Summit, offering phenomenal 360-degree panoramas.


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