Alpenkranz stage 31: Salbithütte - Wassen - Sustenpass

Tip
11.19 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Great panorama
Long distance hiking trail
  • 4:35 h
  • 11.19 km
  • 487 m
  • 1,675 m
  • 924 m
  • 2,373 m
  • 1,449 m
  • Start: Salbithütte
  • Destination: Mountain guesthouse Susten-Hospiz

We traverse a natural landscape of very special charm: Bandlückli, Rorbach, Gross See, Klein See, Rorspitzli and Wildlauenen - these are the little-known destinations on this extraordinary route.Like caught in a shell, the two mountain lakes lie in the wide basin of the Rohrbachfirn.

We set off from the Salbithütte SAC (2105m) for the one-hour ascent to the Bandlücke (2353 m) with its impressive view towards the Reusstal. Then we hike over a long stretch across huge granite slabs gently downhill. After crossing the still young Rorbach the path steadily climbs past Lang See to the crystal-clear Gross See (2338m). Then it goes downhill and soon we stand by the circular Chli See (2205 m). Through steep grassy flanks we reach the Widlauwenengrat. At the foot of the Höreli before the Widlauwenengrat it is quite exposed and requires increased attention!

Now follow impressive avalanche protections, through which a path winds. At the hunting hut shortly before the forest, we take a short break. Serpentines facilitate the descent through the steep forest to the old Sustenstrasse. Tired and with somewhat shaky knees, but enriched by a great experience, we arrive after a long hiking day down to the village of Wassen (916 m). The unique charm of this primeval landscape accompanies us in our thoughts on the ride by post bus to the Sustenpass (2224 m). After a final short ascent we enjoy at the Sustenhospiz (2260 m) the fantastic view of the Bern Oberland Alps and towards the Uri mountains.

  • Technical difficulty: T3, white-red-white

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Trail
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Salbithütte - Bandlücke - Rorbach - Gross See - Chli See – Rohrflue – Widlauwenengrat - Rieteren – Dorfbannwald - Wassen

Tour information

  • Nature Highlight

Equipment

  • Sturdy hiking boots with grippy soles, weather-appropriate equipment, topographical national maps (not just smartphone), compass and altimeter are part of the basic equipment.
  • Additionally, a first aid kit, emergency blanket and mobile phone for emergencies are part of the basic equipment.
  • Hiking poles are very helpful, especially with a heavy backpack.

Directions & Parking facilities

This stage is only conditionally suitable as a day stage. Physically and technically very demanding. Better as a two-day hike with an overnight stay in the Salbithütte.

Arrival and/or departure at the bus stops "Grit" in the Göschenenalp and "Post" in Wassen.

www.sbb.ch/de/fahrplan.html

Additional information

Literature

Author

Sanna Laurén

Organization

Verein Urner Wanderwege

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Tip:

The wild Meiental offers beautiful scenery and options also for shorter circular hikes via Sustenpass, Sustli- and Sewenhütte.

Option:

It is possible to stay overnight in Wassen to hike on foot the next day on the old Sustenstrasse to Sustenpass. This additional stage requires another hiking day of about 6 hours.

Safety guidelines

Mountain hiking is demanding.

Knowledge of dangers in the mountains (rockfall, slip/fall hazard, weather changes) is necessary for mountain and alpine hiking trails. Sturdy hiking boots with grippy soles, weather-appropriate equipment, topographical national maps (not just smartphone), compass and altimeter are part of the basic equipment. Additionally, a first aid kit, emergency blanket and mobile phone for emergencies are part of the basic equipment.

It is advisable to make a serious route planning and careful preparation for every hike. The weather in the mountains can change very quickly. Fog can also make orientation difficult even in summer. The greatest danger in summer besides heat is thunderstorms. Thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail quickly turn a small brook into large rivers and increase the risk of mudflows and rockfalls. Therefore, it is important to interpret the weather report when planning routes. Thermal thunderstorms often come only in the afternoon, but frontal thunderstorms can occur at any time of the day. In general, it is worth being on the move early in summer.

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

The Urner Wanderplaner and the Uri Outdoor App help with planning. Geo Admin offers many useful information such as where pastures with herd protection dogs, suckler cow pastures and also wildlife protection zones are located.

Hikers hike at their own risk. The association Urner Wanderwege is not liable for accidents that occur during the Urner Alpenkranz hike.

Map

Hiking and biking map of the canton of Uri, sheets Gotthard and Maderanertal.

The sheets "Gotthard" and Maderanertal are available in the web shop of Urner Wanderwege: www.urnerwanderwege.ch/de/shop

Nearby

Contact

Alpenkranz stage 31: Salbithütte - Wassen - Sustenpass
6487 Göschenen