Unterschächen - Klausenpass
I did this hike on the 6th of September, 2025. I had once before done a hike in this area to Stäubenfalls, which I really liked and had since then wanted to come back. Since the weather looked promising, I decided to go back for the hike below above the valley, ending at Klausenpass and a visit to Gletscherseeli, which I had seen pictures of.
Full route: Swisstopo
I went by train and bus from Zürich to Unterschächen, where I started the hike. I had started early and it was still cold, but a very beautiful morning, when I walked out of the village. The trail out of town and into Brunnital is a normal road and it was a calm and easy start to the hike.
After some time, I turned off the main road and continued up above the valley on a hiking path. I quickly made it up high, and had amazing views into the valley and to the mountains rising above. After a steeper ascent, the trail flattened out back in direction Klausenpass.
I came back out to the views over the main valley and could see quite far in direction Klausenpass. I decided to take a short break here after the first ascent before continuing up to the first top point of the hike. I went up a steeper but short part to Hoch Chopf, before the trail again flattened out.
After passing under Hoch Chopf, I continued on the trail to the lake below Wäspen. The trail here was relatively easy, and I had even better and direct views to Klausenpass in the distance. Up by the lake, I had another small break before I continued.
The upper part above the valley on this hike was absolutely amazing, and I am very happy I chose this trail. I constantly had great panoramic views over the valley and the mountains surrounding it, which also made me take quite some shorter breaks along the way, to take in everything.
As I came close to Klausenpass, I walked by the retreating Griessgletscher. I could not see the glacier itself, but the moraine it had left in the landscape was clearly visible and beautiful. Here, the hiking path turned into a wide gravel road and the last part to Klausenpass was quite easy.
At Klausenpass, I took another break to relax, enjoy the views down to Urnerboden and decide if I should continue or not. Despite the by now very warm temperatures, I had very good energy, so I decided to continue up to Gletscherseeli.
It was not a long or very demanding walk up to the lake, but I was still happy when I reached it, as I could feel my energy reserves were coming to an end. It is a really beautiful little hidden gem, that I surely can see myself coming back to again.
After some time spend down by the lake taking pictures and enjoying the surroundings, I started the walk back in order to catch the next bus. The bus took me down to Altdorf (an amazing bus ride!), from where I continued back home to Zürich by train.
