Fronalpstock und Schilt

Two viewing lodges above the Linth Valley

Fronalpstock and Schilt are the names of the eye-catching peaks at the entrance to the Linth Valley. The former presents itself as a pyramid-shaped rock structure, the latter as a broad-fronted balcony that drops steeply towards the valley floor. Especially in the morning sidelight, the views from both peaks over the canton of Glarus towards Glärnisch and Tödi are simply phenomenal. Early departure is therefore advisable, especially since 1800 metres of altitude have to be mastered from Glarus.

At Glarus station, yellow signs show the way: over the Linth to Ennetbühls and up against the Alpenblick inn until the route branches off to the right in the direction of Fronalpstock. Crossing the road several times, you keep uphill to Grossberg, reach the Mittler Stafel via open pasture and follow the path coming up from the Fronalpstock mountain inn or the Fronalp Friends of Nature House. The route continues eastwards to the Ober Stafel and on to the so-called Fronalppass (1861 m) between the small Färistock on the right and the Fronalpstock on the left. Here you turn left on a good path along the ridge of the Zelsegg over the green base of the Fronalpstock up to the foot of the rocky summit pyramid. This is easily conquered in a well-stepped, wire-rope-secured "chimney", which ends at the top of the slight west ridge. A few more steps, then you stand at the summit cross of the Fronalpstock, 2124 m. The view sweeps far over the Linth plain to Lake Zurich. Back down on the safe ground of the Fronalp Pass, follow the markings southwards to the Schilt. Its ascent develops as if by itself: first it goes north past the Färistock, then under the west side of the Siwellen and then in a gentle incline up to the spacious summit roof of the Schilt, 2299 m. The view is unique, as you squat up here at the intersection of three valleys (Linthtal, Klöntal and Sernftal). Now stroll along the south side of the Siwellen to the Rotärd hunter's hut and choose the path to the right down to Alp Begligen. The change from reddish quart schist to yellowish dolomite is impressive. Via Äugsten you reach the cable car station of the Äugstenbahn and walk over pastures, later in the forest back to Ennetbühls and Glarus.