From Braunwald over the pass into the Bisistal
A high-mountain crossing from Glarus to Schwyz: from the Gumen top station above Braunwald, twelve kilometres lead over a pass at 2,153 metres across into the Bisistal. The route stays above 1,860 metres throughout and can only be walked in high summer.
The route from above
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Elevation profile
Route description
The starting point is the Gumen top station at 1,906 metres, reached by mountain railway from Braunwald. From kilometre 0.8 the path climbs 242 metres and reaches the highest point at kilometre 2.3 at 2,153 metres, the crossing between the two cantons.
The descent leads down through the Chüetel and reaches the Bisistal on Schwyz soil at kilometre 4.5. It then continues through the Graben before another 172 metres of ascent await from kilometre 8.9.
The steepest passage lies at kilometre 1.7 and reaches around 24 per cent. Some sections require a sure step and sturdy footwear. With an elevation range of only 293 metres the profile remains astonishingly even; the altitude itself is the real challenge.
At the start the Berggasthaus Gumen invites you to a break; after that no refreshment stop is recorded along the route. Because of the altitude the hike can only be walked from June to October, and even then the weather above 2,000 metres can change quickly.
Grading
Good to know
Getting there / public transport
By public transport to Braunwald and on by mountain railway to the Gumen top station. Current timetable at sbb.ch.
Food and drink
Berggasthaus Gumen at the start. No refreshment stop is recorded along the rest of the route, so take provisions for the whole day.
Best time of year
Recommended: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct