This circular trail leads up to the Balmer Grätli ridge, across to Ruosalper Chulm pass, and down through alpine meadows. There are so many dramatic peaks along the ridge and a gorgeous rocky landscape on the northside of the ridge. We love this trail so much!!!
The trail is relatively short and not super difficult, a good choice if you need a half-day hike.
It’s also free since you don’t have to ride a cable car. There is bus service, but only from late June to late September and only 4x per day. Check the schedule very carefully!
Contents
| Region: | Canton Uri |
| By car: | parking at Hotel Klausenpass – see on map From Lucerne 1h10, Zurich 1h30 |
| By public transport: | Balm (Klausen) bus stop, only 4x per day From Lucerne or Zürich, about 2h30 |
| Trail: | 6.3 km loop • see trail map |
| Time: | 2h30 walking time |
| Difficulty: | moderate • 555m up & down |
| Condition: | dirt footpath |
| Elevation: | highest point 2230m |
| Open: | late June thru mid October |
| Cost: | free |
| Extras: | restaurant at start/end |
| More info: | www.alpen-paesse.ch • webcam • weather |
Gallery
Trail map
The map below shows the loop trail, starting at the Hotel Klausenpass parking. We prefer hiking counter-clockwise, but it would be nice in either direction.
See trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil • OutdoorActive
The trail is pretty well maintained and clearly marked. It has some sections with steep slopes to the side, but not particularly dangerous. It has lots of uneven terrain, so best with sturdy hiking shoes and sticks if possible.
How to get there
This trail is located near the Klausen pass, southeast of Lucerne.
By car:
There is free parking next to Hotel Klausenpass. For the last 15 mins to the parking, you must drive on a narrow, winding mountain road, that is sometimes one-lane with turnouts.
Travel time from Lucerne 1h10, Zurich 1h30
By bus:
Train to Altdorf. Then Bus 408 to Balm (Klausen) bus stop, which drops next to Hotel Klausenpass.
Travel time about 2h30 from Lucerne or Zurich HB
Planning your day
Opening Times
This high elevation trail is usually free of snow from late June to mid October.
Check www.alpen-paesse.ch to see is the mountain pass road is open.
Where to eat
Hotel Klausenpass is at the start of the trail, next to the parking. The restaurant is open Wed – Sun. It has a playground.
Otherwise, no services along the trail.
Photo story of trail
1. Arriving at Hotel Klausenpass
The parking area is next to Hotel Klausenpass and the Balm (Klausen) bus stop. There is a water fountain here to fill up your bottles. There is a toilet at the hotel restaurant for customers.
To start the trail, follow the sign to Balmer Grätli.
You’ll start up this footpath above the parking area.
Looking back down to the parking and bus stop.
2. Hiking up
Here we go – up, up, up! It took us 35 mins to reach the ridge (1.7km).
The trail briefly joins this service road.
Then you fork onto a dirt path.
The path gets more rocky near the top.
It’s gorgeous but the road noise is quite loud on this side of the mountain, especially the motorcycles buzzing up the pass.
Almost to the ridge.
3. View at the pass
When you reach the pass, this spectacular rocky landscape reveals itself.
This peak looks very intimidating.
I took this pic of the pass after hiking up a bit, so you could get a better overview of this area.
Before continuing the hike, take a short detour over this little hill so you can see down the other side.
Here’s the view down towards the Muotathal valley. That green alp in the distance is Glattalp, another favorite.
So happy to be here!!!
4. Traverse ridge
To continue the trail, return to the ridge and follow signs to Ruosalper Chulm.
The trail traverses the less rocky side of the mountain.
Lots of flowers here.
Looking back along the ridge.
This part was exciting, passing under this sheer rock face.
As you round the peak, the next part of the ridge reveals itself.
Pretty easy walking on much of this ridge.
Looking back on the trail.
This area couldn’t be more photogenic.
Leading into grassy meadows.
The only hard part about this area was the wind whipping through so strong, it was sometimes a little difficult to stand up straight.
Looking back along the trail, so many craggy cliffs.
Almost done with the ridge. The trail loops down to the left before you reach this next mountain.
Descending back to starting point
We have arrived at Ruosalper Chulm. Now fork left and follow signs to Untere Balm and Klausenpass.
The path descends a bit steeply with lots of loose dirt and rocks, which makes for slow going at times.
You pass by this small lake. Don’t plan to swim here. It’s shallow and roped off, presumably as a watering hole for the cattle.
Lots of well-constructed stairs make the descent a little easier.
The trail forks at this sign attached to a rock, I suppose because the wind was knocking over other signs. Continue direction Klausenpass.
Wrapping around through more meadows.
Passing through a small cluster of dairy huts.
Keep following signs to Hotel Klausenpass on the service road. There is a footpath higher up the alp, but it’s a dead end.
Follow this service road down to the main road. Not the most romantic end to the hike, but still pretty.
You have to walk along the main road for a couple minutes. Stay on the left side (facing oncoming traffic).
Then join the footpath and hike up through the meadows to the hotel.
Back to our starting point. I hope the bus is waiting for you!
