Peak Perfection: Chasing the Clouds on the Schilt via the Äugstenbahn
Conquering the Schilt is one of the many amazing Glarus hiking adventures, packing a thrilling 1,800m vertical ascent into an unforgettable alpine journey. Standing near 2,300m, the Schilt summit offers sweeping 360-degree panoramas of the Glarus Alps, including the mighty Tödi and Glärnisch massifs.
By using the historic, Äugstenbahn cable car from Ennenda, you can cut out the dense forest grind and launch yourself straight into pristine alpine pastures, rugged limestone karst landscapes, and dramatic ridge walks.
Try and Try Again
I have a history with this mountain, in 2017 as an inexperienced hiker I got a bit lost and tried to climb it directly up the incredibly steep scree fields then a rocky gully, etc., until I arrived about 200m from the summit. Even chamois came out to see what the idiot was doing. Rather than risk serious injury ir worse I retreated.
I then attempted to repeat the route in 2924 in somewhat wintery conditions, this time I was on the right track but still didn't make it all the way as I had no snowshoes or micro-spikes.
In 2025 I finally managed to make it sll the way, this time using the cable car - which was of course under repair by the time I got back...
Trip Overview
Starting Point: SBB station to car park of the Ennenda Valley Station (480m) then up to Bärenboden Mountain Station (1,440m)
Highest Point: Schilt Summit (2,299m) plus Tristli at (2,286m)
Distance: Approx. 16 Km (including the valley walk)
Duration: 5-6h of total hiking time
Difficulty: Medium to Hard (Swiss T2/T3 mountain trails)
Gear Checklist: What to Pack
See ny general article on this topic...
Bonus Gear: A pair of binoculars or a monocular. You will be walking through a protected game reserve where spotting wildlife from afar is incredibly rewarding.
Step 1: The Thrill of the Äugstenbahn
Your adventure begins in the quiet village of Ennenda, nestled right next to Glarus. Stepping up to the Äugstenbahn valley station, you quickly realize this is not your typical tourist gondola. This is a charming, self-service 8-person cable car.
As the doors close and the cable hums to life, you are rocketed nearly 1,000 vertical meters up the sheer cliff face. In just seven breathtaking minutes, the valley floor shrinks to a miniature grid. You glide over treetops and rugged rock walls before stepping out onto the sun-drenched terrace of Bärenboden at 1,440m.
Step 2: The Ascent to Alp Fesis and the "Upside-Down" Mountains
Stepping off the cable car, the crisp mountain air hits you instantly. From Bärenboden, follow the yellow trail markers pointing up toward Alp Fesis. The trail starts with a steady, heart-pumping climb through lush green meadows dotted with grazing cows.
As you ascend, you are stepping directly into the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona. This region is of immense geological importance because it exposes the famous Glarus Thrust (Glarner Hauptüberschiebung) - a phenomenon that fundamentally changed our global understanding of how mountains are formed.
As you hike toward the higher limestone fields, you are walking through an "upside-down" mountain landscape. Here, giant continental plates collided with such incomprehensible force that a massive packet of older rock (the 250-300-million-year-old, reddish-green Verrucano formation) was pushed completely over the top of a much younger layer of rock (the 35-50-million-year-old, grey-brown Flysch).
Keep your eyes trained on the surrounding rock faces: you can see the distinct, razor-sharp fracture zones and jagged, twisted strata where the ancient crust literally slid 35 Km northward over the younger stone.
Step 3: Conquering the Limestone Karst and Ridge
As you climb higher past the tree line, the landscape transforms completely. The soft grass gives way to dramatic, weathered limestone karst formations shaped by thousands of years of glacial melting and rain.The path sharpens into a classic alpine mountain trail, zig-zagging up toward the ridge between the Schilt and Tristli peaks.
As you hit the Rotärd ridge, the views expand wide open to the east, revealing deep valleys and hidden peaks. The final push to the summit follows a broad, grassy ridge crest - an exhilarating stretch where you feel like you are walking on top of the world.
Flora and Fauna: Life in the Schilt Federal Game Reserve
Because the cable car schedule is strictly adapted to protect the local ecosystem, nature remains beautifully undisturbed here. You are hiking through the Schilt Federal Game Reserve, a sanctuary teeming with life.
Alpine Fauna
Keep your binoculars ready as you move through the rocks and upper pastures:
Chamois & Alpine Ibex: These majestic mountain dwellers are frequently seen grazing on the rocky slopes at the foot of the Schilt, especially in the early mornings and late afternoons. They are remarkably accustomed to respectful hikers and often display little fear of people.
Marmots: Listen for the piercing, high-pitched whistles echoing across the open alpine bowls - a warning signal that a colony of these furry creatures has spotted you approaching.
Black Grouse: If you are lucky, you might spot the rare black grouse hiding in the transition zones between the upper forests and open meadows.
Alpine Flora
The patchwork landscape along the trail is a botanical paradise:
The Upper Forest Line: Near Bärenboden, the trail winds past massive boulders interspersed with sturdy Swiss stone pines (Arven), mountain pines and spruce trees.
Alpine Wildflowers: During the summer months, the meadows explode with color. You will walk past bright blue gentians, delicate silver thistles nestled low against the rock, and bright yellow buttercups.
Step 4: Triumph at the Schilt and the Twin Peak's Metal Cross
Reaching the high shield-shaped summit of the Schilt at 2,299 m is pure euphoria. While the Schilt marks the high point of the immediate ridge line, the ultimate panoramic reward requires looking just a short distance ahead.
Following the rocky, dramatic crest just a few hundred meters further brings you to the neighboring peak of Tristli (2,286 m). While the Schilt offers massive expansive space, it is here on Tristli where you are greeted by a striking, weather-beaten metal summit cross anchored directly into the rock.
Standing beneath this metal monument gives you a profound, dizzying bird’s-eye perspective. The views from this specific vantage point explode:
Directly Below: A jaw-dropping, near-vertical look down into the Linth Valley and the town of Glarus.
To the West: The spectacular turquoise waters of Lake Klöntal locked tightly between steep mountain flanks.
To the South: The glaciated, white crown of the Tödi massif piercing the sky.
It is the perfect spot to unstrap your backpack, log your name in the summit book, and feel the raw, exposed energy of the high Alps.
Step 5: The Alpine Descent to the Cable Car
After taking all your photos, retrace your steps down the ridge toward the Rotärd pass. The descent offers a completely different perspective of the Glarus valley opening up beneath your boots.
As you approach the lower pastures, make a detour to the Äugstenhütte. Rewarding yourself with a cold drink, a slice of homemade fruit tart, or a plate of local mountain cheese on their panoramic sun deck is the ultimate way to wrap up the physical effort.
From the hut, a quick 10-min stroll brings you back to the Bärenboden station, where the Äugstenbahn waits to sweep you safely back down to reality in Ennenda. If the cable car is not working then you have a much longer zigzag hike back down to Glarus.
Step 6: Cool Down Along the Linth River to Glarus Station
Stepping out of the Äugstenbahn valley station back at 480 m, your alpine route translates seamlessly into a tranquil valley stroll. Instead of calling it a day, follow the path west toward the shimmering waters of the Linth River.
You will merge onto the idyllic Linth-Uferweg (Linth Bank Trail), an easy, mostly gravel footpath that traces the river's edge. The contrast is striking: the roar of the alpine wind is replaced by the soothing rushing sound of the glacier-fed river, while the giant limestone walls of Vorder Glärnisch frame your views from below.
Stroll along the lush green banks under the shade of riverside trees. After a short, relaxing walk, you will reach the main Linth Bridge. Cross over the water, navigate the short underpass, and wander past the classic architecture of the town center. Within 10-15m of leaving the cable car, you will arrive right at the Glarus Train Station - perfectly timed to catch your train home or stock up on treats at the nearby Migros grocery store.
This hike was made by the Author on the 19th of September 2025. For more photos or to ask questions, please email me here.
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