Alpenkranz Stage 36: Arni – Riedboden – Sunniggrathütte

From Arnisee, this short, steep mountain trail climbs through the Grüenwald to the moorland and lakes of the Riedboden. The Sunniggrat offers far-reaching views down into the Reusstal before the route ends at the Sunniggrathütte.

The stage begins at the cable-car mountain station in the car-free village of Arni. Right at the start, the route passes directly by Arnisee. The white-red-white marked mountain trail then climbs steeply into the shady Grüenwald. Over a distance of just under four kilometres, there are more than 650 metres of ascent; in return, the route is short and concentrated, taking just under two hours.

Above the forest, the protected Riedboden opens out, with moorland and small lakes. The trail continues across open terrain to Grossgand and towards the Sunniggrat. Rocky terrain replaces the alpine pastures as the highest point at Sunniggratli, at just over 2,030 m, draws closer.

Near the privately run, staffed Sunniggrathütte, the route makes a final detour to the summit. From the Sunniggrat, the view extends down into the Urner Reusstal and the Maderanertal, as well as across to the Uri, Glarus and Schwyz Alps. The trail then descends gently from the highest point to the Sunniggrathütte, where the stage ends.