Wild haymaker path at Rophaien

The Uri Reuss Valley is a typical foehn valley. Many say that the warm downwind, the foehn, is the oldest Uri native. The wild hay slope at Rophaien is additionally exposed to the south. Because of this, many botanical specialties occur here. Already in the Schattigen Berge we encounter, for example, a stately cherry tree. This is extraordinary at this altitude. From here we can also see the wild hay area at Rophaien, one of the largest in Switzerland.

Now the hiking trail crosses the Gruontal, a true fairy-tale forest. Geologically, we move from flysch to limestone. Large limestone rocks have fallen down and lie here in the middle of the forest on the grey flysch.

Soon the forest clears. We reach the summer grazing area at Unter Hüttenboden. These pastures are grazed by cattle for about three months in summer. In bad weather, the wild hay is supplemented. You might even discover a trist, a storage place for wild hay or litter material.

After crossing the alp, we enter the south slope. Here the slopes are called terraces. In August, alpine herdsmen and farmers come up here to the wild hay terraces at Rophaien to harvest the wild hay, a strict and dangerous work. But wild haymaking is a long tradition here. The tools for wild haymaking have been the same since time immemorial. Thanks to wild haymaking, the landscape remains open and does not become forested. Only thanks to human intervention can many orchid species survive here. The meadows belong to the most species-rich in the entire Alps.

Of course, we also let our gaze wander away from the meadows over the fascinating landscape. The best view is from Franzen, a pulpit-like alp. It is worth lingering here and having some food.

Slowly we approach the region where agriculture is practiced all year round. At Ober Axen we cross lush natural meadows. Here we can stop at the restaurant before boarding the cable car towards Flüelen. The cable car ride reveals completely different views of Lake Uri again. We enjoy the panoramic view and mentally retrace the exciting route once more.