Hirzli-Planggenstock Circular Hike

This route leads to the most rewarding mountain in the Glarner Unterland. The panorama and the view over the Linth plain, Lake Zurich, and Lake Walen are overwhelming. In good visibility, you can even see the Black Forest and the Randen in the northern background.

The starting point of this hike is the mountain station (980 m asl) of the Niederurnen-Morgenholz cable car. The cable car to Morgenholz (just under a 10-minute ride) facilitates access to the valley and provides the mountain residents with a year-round connection to the village. Up here, you are in the Niederurner Alpental, a local recreation area for young and old. From Zurich, the Niederurner Täli, as the Niederurners call it, is practically the first mountain range with an alpine character. It is particularly noteworthy that the Hirzli consists of Nagelfluh, a sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are mechanical or chemical deposits that existed on the sea floor in earlier times.

The Hirzli and Planggenstock are best climbed early in the morning or in late spring and autumn. For those who are not afraid of heights, Hirzli and Planggenstock can also be combined via the ridge. It goes steeply up to Alp Schwinfärch. We move here on a section of the Niederurner sculpture trail. The original wooden figures (carved with a chainsaw by forester Thomas Jud) make the ascent varied. The developed Robinson playground on the descent to Mettmen with a log cabin, fire pit, and "cable car" for children compensates the family for the efforts. Thirst and hunger can also be conveniently satiated at Restaurant Hirzli.

The route can be shortened after Planggenstock via the Alp Obere Planggen.