Via Alpina, Stage 6/20

Modest alps and mobile bee boxes on Klausenpass, fascinating high-level panorama trail above Schächental valley, then steep descent to the valley floor. Along the Tell Trail from Bürglen to Altdorf, William Tell monument, Switzerland’s symbolic birthplace.

From Urner Boden, the mountain trail climbs across open pastures towards the Klausenpass. After just under two hours, the highest point is reached at around 1,950 metres. The pass links Urner Boden with the Schächental; the Bruder-Klaus-Kapelle also stands directly on the route. This opening stretch already accounts for a substantial part of the approximately 1,000 metres of ascent.

Beyond the pass, the route continues with a long series of ascents and descents. Open pastureland characterises the upper section before stretches of woodland become more frequent. About a third of the way along, a small alpine inn stands directly beside the trail. The long descent to Spiringen then begins, still mostly on mountain hiking trails.

From Spiringen, the trail becomes easier and leads through the increasingly settled valley landscape via Bürglen to Altdorf. After 27 kilometres and just over eight hours, the hike ends near the centre; the Altdorf UR, Telldenkmal bus stop is only just over 100 metres away. With around 1,900 metres of descent, the route is above all long and physically demanding.