Exhilarating Winter Hike through the enchanting fairytale world of Braunwald with panoramic views of Tödi, the Ortstock and other Glarner peaks. An impressive ice gallery, hidden deep in the rock, facing the lowest gorge in Switzerland.

The circular hike starts at the Grotzenbüel mountain station (1559 m above sea level) in the middle of the ski area (accessible by the Hüttenberg-Grotzenbüel cable car). There are three stages to the Panoramic Hike:

Grotzenbüel - Seblengrat

Seblengrat-Gumen (Ice gallery)

Gumen-Ortstockhaus-Grotzenbüel

During the first half, we will cover the majority of the 340 meters of elevation to the Seblengrat: Through open spruce forests, the winter hiking trail leads up to the viewpoint Chnügrat. As you climb higher, the Glarner Gipfelpanorama reveals a panoramic view of the Ortstock, the Hausberg (local mountain) of Braunwald, and the majestic Tödi (3614 m above sea level). The vantage grants you a spectacular view of the lowest gorge in Switzerland, a 3000-meter rise from the village of Linthal to the summit of the Tödi.

The route continues up the ridge to the Seblengrat and leads to the rustic Bergrestaurant. The ice gallery that connects the Seblengrat with the Gumen is impressive. A tunnel cut into the rock leads into a magical world of icicles and ice crystals. The path gently climbs up to the Gumen. The cosy Bergasthaus offers refreshments and one of the most stunning scenic spots in Garnerland. Having you reached the summit, the only way is down.

Initially, the descent is relatively steep until Braunwaldalp (Oberstafel). The route traverses the slopes and continues down a pleasant, well-maintained path to the crossroads to Ortstockhaus. For those interested in a listed heritage site, an architectural gem at 1772 metres above sea level, take a brief 5-10 minute detour. Your reward: Admire the breathtaking landscape of the Ortstock from glorious sun decks. The restaurant is accessible via a ski trail and carefully prepared paths back to Grotzenbüel to the starting point.

Recommendation from the author:
Try at least one of the three restaurants on this tour.
Both the Gumen Restaurant and Ortstockhaus offer overnight stays. Reservation in advance recommended.

Details
Security information
If there is a danger of avalanches, the section through the ice gallery (Seblen-Gumen) is closed. Check Wintersportbericht for current snow conditions.

Directions
Start
Mountain restaurant Chämistube, Grotzenbüel

Final destination
Mountain restaurant Chämistube, Grotzenbüel

Description
The hike starts at Grotzenbüel. You reach Grotzenbüel by taking a Gondola at either Niederschlacht or Hüttenberg.

Public transport
Direct connections are available from Zurich Main Station (HB) to Linthal-Braunwaldbahn. Take the S25 from Zurich HB at 43 minutes past the hour, every hour. You arrive at Linthal-Braunwaldbahn at 14 minutes past the hour. The Braunwaldbahn funicular (mountain railway) takes you up to Braunwald at 25 minutes past the hour.

Car
About 70 minutes from Zurich or Chur / Sargans via highway A3 until you reach the exit Niederurnen (Nr. 44). Follow the main road towards Glarus / Klausen. (ca 30km to Braunwaldbahn).

Parking
Parking for cars and campers are available at the lower station of the Braunwaldbahn.