Alpenkranz 30th stage: Voralphütte - Salbitbrücke - Salbithütte

Tip
7.14 km long
Difficulty: difficult
Condition: medium
Great panorama
Long distance hiking trail
  • 4:30 h
  • 7.14 km
  • 595 m
  • 629 m
  • 2,083 m
  • 2,541 m
  • 458 m
  • Start: Voralphütte
  • Destination: Salbithütte
Since 2010, a suspension bridge stretches at dizzying heights over the abyss of the "Stotzig-Chälä." With this high alpine bridge, the route between the Voralp and Salbithütte gained a direct connection to the Urner Alpenkranz long-distance hike.

Behind the Voralphütte SAC (2126 m), we follow a steep path upwards towards Chüeplanggenstock to the Flüestafel (2385 m). Here the white-blue-white marked route turns southeast, climbs above the steep couloir of the Chüeplanggenchelen (2500 m) further to the base of the ridge extension of the Rothorn, and descends in stony coarse block terrain to the Horenfelliboden (2541 m). Then follows the first obstacle: A steep rock step is overcome by descending a 45-meter-high iron ladder. Fully concentrated and secured by steel cables, the via ferrata crosses a rock channel in wild granite landscape. After a steep, mountainous terrain chamber, there is another ladder. The narrow path steeply winds up in the next level in the sharp T4 range to the ridge hump under the first massive tower on the Salbitschijen west ridge. Here is a place for refreshment!

Through the following granite scree slope, the route climbs past the rock towers of the Salbitschijen and the legendary bivouac box (Salbitschijenbiwak 2400 m) to a short metal ladder. Over this we descend to the 90-meter-long Salbitbrücke, constructed in Nepalese style, crossing the Stotzig-Chälä. We hold on to the steel cables of the suspension bridge, look into the depths and towards the summit towers. About an hour later, we arrive at the Salbithütte SAC (2105 m) and review the route.

  • Technical difficulty: T4, white-blue-white marked

Good to know

Pavements

Trail
Path
Via ferrata

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Voralphütte - Flüestafel - Chüeplanggenchelen - Horenfelliboden - Salbitschijenbiwak - Salbitbrücke - Salbithütte

Tour information

  • Nature Highlight

Equipment

  • Sturdy hiking boots with grippy soles, weather-appropriate equipment, topographic national maps (not just smartphone), compass and altimeter belong to the basic equipment.
  • Additionally, a basic kit includes a pocket pharmacy, emergency blanket and mobile phone for emergencies.
  • Hiking poles are very helpful on scree, especially with a heavy backpack (for the difficult part of the route poles can be attached to the backpack).
  • For alpine hiking trails, depending on the stage, rope, climbing harness, ice axe and crampons are recommended.
  • Via ferrata set recommended.

Directions & Parking facilities

This stage is only conditionally suitable as a day’s stage. Physically and technically very demanding.

Arrival and/or departure at the bus stops "Voralpkurve" or "Grit"

www.sbb.ch/de/fahrplan.html

Additional information

Literature

Author

Sanna Laurén

Organization

Verein Urner Wanderwege

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Tip:

This stage requires alpine experience and a via ferrata set. It is best done between mid-June and mid-October. Loose stones, thunderstorms and rain require special caution.

Option:

There is also an easier route, the old hut path. This leads down in the valley via Sunnig Bodmen to Wiggen and Regliberg. This variant is not technically difficult but the path is long.

Safety guidelines

Mountain hiking is demanding.

Mountain and alpine hiking trails require knowledge of dangers in the mountains (rockfall, risk of slipping/falling, sudden weather changes). Sturdy hiking boots with grippy soles, weather-appropriate equipment, topographic national maps (not just smartphone), compass and altimeter belong to the basic equipment. Additionally, a basic kit includes a pocket pharmacy, emergency blanket and mobile phone for emergencies.

It is recommended to do serious route planning and careful preparation for every hike. The weather in the mountains can change very quickly. Fog can also make orientation difficult in summer. The biggest danger in summer besides heat are thunderstorms. Thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail make a small brook quickly become a large river, increasing the risk of mudslides and rockfall. Therefore, it is important to interpret the weather forecast when planning routes. Thermal thunderstorms often come only in the afternoon, but frontal thunderstorms can occur at any time. Generally, it is worth setting off early in the summer.

Mountain guides or qualified hiking leaders (up to T4) are recommended for alpine hiking trails (marked white-blue-white), hiking leaders for hikes and mountain hikes. They take over the organization and planning of routes so that guests can simply enjoy the hike.

The Uri hiking planner and the Uri Outdoor app help with planning. Via Geo Admin, you can find many useful pieces of information such as where pastures with herd protection dogs, mother cow pastures and also wildlife resting zones are located.

Hikers hike at their own risk. The association Urner Wanderwege does not assume liability for accidents occurring during the Urner Alpenkranz hike.

Attention:

The route over the Salbitbrücke demands alpine experience. Be cautious with moving stones; the route should not be taken in thunderstorms or rain. The exposed sections are set up so that they can be secured with a via ferrata set. Via ferrata sets can be rented and returned at both huts. It is recommended to visit the Salbitbrücke in the summer season between mid-June and mid-October. During this time, the route is monitored and maintained.

As a less experienced alpine hiker, book a mountain guide or a qualified hiking leader. You can enjoy the tour much better this way.

www.salbitbruecke.ch

Map

Hiking and biking map of the canton of Uri, Gotthard sheet.

The "Gotthard" sheet is available in the Uri hiking trails web shop: www.urnerwanderwege.ch/de/shop

Nearby

Contact

Alpenkranz 30th stage: Voralphütte - Salbitbrücke - Salbithütte
6487 Göschenen