Lauchboden

At the foot of the Ortstock

The moor-like and therefore carpet-soft Lauchboden at 2012 m above sea level is a special natural experience, where green still seems much greener. Here, on a pasture where a pretty little stream winds through the meadow, a few sheep graze. An ideal spot to take a short hiking break or enjoy a picnic in idyllic surroundings. The Lauchboden is easy to reach as a day destination, but is also passed on the summit tour to the Ortstock.

Description

The Lauchboden is accessible from Gumen or from Grotzenbüel.

Those who choose the tour from Gumen take the Gumen cable car and start from its mountain station. The first section heads in the direction of the Ortstockhaus, along the panoramic trail – mostly without elevation changes. After about 20 minutes, the turnoff towards Bützi follows, which we now follow and tackle the nearly 300 meters of elevation gain in about 50 minutes. Arriving at the Bützi, there is the wonderful karst landscape to enjoy: like a lunar landscape, the karst stretches to Erigsmatt and the Lauchboden. Walking through the karst is good, but not too rushed: the path requires some concentration.

We follow the signpost towards Lauchboden and walk along the "Schwyzerwand" – the rock band that not only separates Brächalp from Lauchboden but is also the cantonal boundary between Glarus and Schwyz. For one hour, we walk about 3 kilometers with 150 meters of elevation difference. Upon reaching Lauchboden, it's time to enjoy this green spot!

Next follows the exciting descent over the Bärentritt. This leads down the rock steps to Bergeten. Especially in the lower part there are a few exposed spots, but all are very well secured with chains. Important: wear good footwear and be careful when wet. Below the Bärentritt lies the Bergetenseeli, which is often only filled with water in the spring. With some luck after rainfall, the lake may also hold some water in summer.

Below the Bärentritt follows a short stretch of scree slope until you reach the hiking path to Brächalp Oberstafel. From the alp, you can either take the direct path via "Plänggi" to the village – the shortest but also the steepest option. Otherwise, you return via the alp path to the ski path and from there to Grotzenbüel, where the gondola can be taken.

The very varied tour can also be undertaken in the opposite direction.