Isenthal craftspeople's trail

We start at the post bus stop St. Jakob, at the very end of the Grosstal. Nearby we already find the first two stations. One shows how shingles were made in the past. The second station introduces "wood chopping".

From here we follow the Isithalerbach towards the village. At Chliwäldli the path slightly rises. Soon we reach the village of Isenthal. Here we learn about the craft of leatherworking in an old wooden hut. In the past, the inhabitants of the remote side valleys repaired everything themselves and made many practical items on their own.

We cross the stream near the village and follow the historical "old country road." Soon we reach the next station, where we can weave a "Haiwarä" - a hay net. Wild haymaking is still maintained in Isenthal. The wild haymaking landscape Isenthal was also awarded by the Swiss Landscape Fund.

Now the valley opens. The trail leads us steadily out to the forest above Lake Uri. Here we can work on the "Schnätzesel," for example, making fence posts.

Soon we reach the timber yard above Chäppeli. Here is the last station. It demonstrates the making of "Studägarbä." This work is mostly done by older men because it requires a lot of patience.

From here, there is a steep descent down to Isleten, where we end the hike either with a drink or a swim in the lake.