Weissenberge is a small mountain area in the Glarnerland region, southeast of Zürich. It has one cable car that brings you up to winter hiking trails and a long sled run.
The Waldibach snowshoe route is a short loop with big mountain views plus a short dip into a pretty forest. The trail has a steep ascent and descent, so only suitable for those with a good fitness level.
For a little excitement after the hike, you could sled down instead of riding the cable car. Sleds can be rented at the cable car station before you ride up.
The views are spectacular here and we loved that this mountain does not have a ski resort, giving it a peaceful atmosphere.
Contents
Quick Info
| Region | Eastern Switzerland – Glarnerland |
| Starting point: | Matt-Weissenberge cable car – Alte Str. 7, 8766 Matt |
| By car: | Metered parking next to the cable car From Zürich 1hr15 |
| By public transport: | Bus stop: Matt, Dorf From Zürich 1h30 |
| Trail: | 1h15 • ⬇️trail map |
| Distance: | 3.2 km loop |
| Difficulty: | moderate • 250m up & down |
| Condition: | marked route |
| Elevation: | 1210m to 1450m |
| Open: | Dec to March, assuming snow |
| Cost: | free |
| Services: | restaurant near the end of trail |
| More info: | www.weissenberge.ch • weather • webcam |
Gallery
Trail Overview
Weissenberge has two snowshoe routes as shown on their winter map. We did the Waldibach trail (blue line 2), which is a subset of the longer Stäfeli trail.
Most of the Waldibach loop is parallel to the groomed winter walking trail. So if conditions are poor, you can switch over to the other trail.
Trail Map
This trail is a loop, starting at the top of the Matt-Weissenberge cable car. Follow the purple poles and signs labeld “Waldibach.”
See trail map on Komoot • SchweizMobil
This trail has a very steep ascent and descent on either side of the loop. Pace yourself!
For a longer hike, try the Stäfeli snowshoe trail, which is a 4 hour loop.
How to get there
Weissenberge is a mountain the Glarnerland region, southeast of Zürich. The trail is accessed by a cable car located in the small village Matt – Alte Str. 7, 8766 Matt
By public transport:
Take a train to Schwanden, then bus to Matt, Dorf. The bus only goes once an hour, so check the schedule on SBB.ch carefully to plan your day.
By car:
There is a small parking lot next to the cable car station. On busy days, you may need to park along the street. Usually they will have a staff member directing you where to park.
Planning your day
Tickets
For this hike, you’ll need a return ticket on the cable car. If you are sledding down, then just a one-way ticket.
In 2025, a return ticket costs CHF 18/adult, CHF /9 child (6-15), CHF 5/dog. No discounts with travel cards.
You can buy tickets on-site with cards or Twint.
Sledding
If you want to sled after the hike, you must rent the sled at the cable car station before riding up the mountain. A sled costs CHF 19 for the day, discounted if rented after 12pm.
While hiking, we left our sleds tied to a pole near the Rutschbahn. I wrapped a scarf around the sleds so someone wouldn’t accidentally take ours. But I was worried the whole time that someone would take it.
Opening times
Weissenberge is usually open for winter season from late December to March. But because of the low elevation and sun exposure, there isn’t always full snow coverage here. Check the trail status.
The cable car runs daily about every 30 mins. On busy days, it will run more frequently.
Where to eat
Berggasthaus Edelwyss is the only restaurant on the mountain, near the end of the hiking loop. It was very busy when we were there, filled with sledders. So there will likely be a long wait to get a seat and get your food.
Photo story of trail
Here is the Weissenberge cable car. We were there on a sunny weekend and there was a long line of sledders waiting to go back up the mountain. We had to wait about 45 mins to get up the mountain. I was glad we only needed to ride up once.
