Etzlihütte

The Etzlihütte is located at 2052 m in the Etzlital, a side valley of the Maderanertal above Bristen in the canton of Uri. It is a hut run by the SAC Thurgau section with 75 beds and modern, functional infrastructure. Thanks to its location between Maderanertal and Tujetsch, it is an ideal starting point for mountain hikes, climbs and high-altitude tours in the Glarus Alps, as well as for family-friendly activities and courses. As a rule, it is manned during the ski touring season from March to April and from mid-June to the end of October; in between, a small shelter with four places is available. Guests are catered for with half board and simple, hearty meals, supplemented by a small selection of wines and freshly tapped beer. The normal ascent begins in Bristen at the valley station of the Golzern cable car and takes around four hours with a good 1200 meters of altitude difference; alternative approaches lead in 3 to 4 hours from Rueras in Val Milà or in around 4 hours from Sedrun over the Chrüzlipass; in summer, an alpine cab to Hinter Etzliboden can shorten the approach. The hut is suitable as a stage stop on multi-day crossings, for example to the Treschhütte or Cavardirashütte, as well as a base for summit destinations such as Chrüzlistock or Oberalpstock. The best time for hikers is the snow-free summer and fall, and spring for ski tours; current conditions, closures and the weather forecast should be checked carefully before each tour. The Etzlihütte was opened in 1911, later extended several times and is still owned by the SAC Thurgau, which is planning extensive renovations in the coming years.