Unterschächen - Stäuben falls
I did this hike on the 15th of May, 2022. I had seen pictures of Stäuben falls, and since it looked really impressive, I decided to do the hike below that would take me past the waterfall but also give me nice panoramic views from above.
Full route: Swisstopo
I went by train from Zürich to Altdorf, where I changed to a bus taking me to Unterschächen. It was a beautiful May morning, and the views were absolutely amazing when I started the hike out of the village.
I followed the hiking trail along the river into the valley in direction Stäuben falls. The first part of the hike to the waterfall was easy, partly through forest and with constant views to Klausenpass, where I would hike up later in the day.
I could see the waterfall some time before I reached it, and it was already really impressive from a distance. There are trails going closer to and above the waterfall, but I passed by on the trail running in front of the waterfall.
After passing by the waterfall, I started the ascent in direction Klausenpass. It was at times a rather steep trail, but the views were amazing as I made my way up. I could see the entire valley below, and even the mountains in the far back rising above Altdorf.
As I made it to the top, I decided to stop for a lunch break and rest after the hike up. Just as I was about to sit down, I heard a sound from the bushes and looked down to find a snake lying in the sun. It disappeared quickly when I made some noise, but I still decided to find another lunch spot, for the sake of both of us.
After a nice long break, I felt more energetic and continued along the top part of the hike. The views from up here were great, and I really love hiking in spring when there is still snow on the mountains and the flowers are everywhere.
The hiking trail up here was mainly on gravel road or a wider hiking path and therefore easy. The landscape was amazing, and very different from the walk down in the valley. I did not meet a lot of people on this hike, but the road to Klausenpass was full of motorbikes out to enjoy the weather.
When I reached the area above Unterschächen, I found a hiking trail leading back down to the village. Walking down, I came through several fields filled with flowers, and it was a really beautiful contrast to the grey mountains in the back.
The hike down was quite steep, but with very nice views, so I enjoyed it a lot, although I was starting to get tired. Back in Unterschächen, I waited for the next bus back to Aldorf from where I took the train back home to Zürich.
