Via Alpina, Stage 5/20

From Linthal via a steep forest path to Braunwald, a sunny depression in the landscape, and on along wooded bands of rock to the largest Swiss alp with 1200 cows. Open, flat, rugged terrain along the Fätschbach river to Urrnerboden.

The long ascent from the valley begins at Linthal railway station. The hiking trail initially leads through the village and quickly gains altitude on the way to Braunwald. The gradient briefly eases in the village; shortly afterwards, the route passes Restaurant Cristal. From there, sections of forest alternate with open meadows and pastures.

After around eight kilometres, the path narrows and increasingly takes on the character of a mountain trail. Near Rietstöckli, the hike reaches its highest point at around 1,480 m. A short section here runs outside the marked hiking trail network before the mountain trail continues via Friteren.

Open pastures now dominate the landscape. The route descends gradually, crossing the expansive terrain towards Urner Boden. After 16 kilometres and just over five hours, the hike ends at Urner Boden. The nearest bus stop, Urnerboden, Dorf, is just over 300 metres away.