Hike Bälmeten

Brass Tax

Distance: 9 mi out and back.

Elevation Gain : 4,485 ft

Difficulty: Difficult

Time: Full day (overnight possibility)

The Hike

This hike begins in the town of Schattdorf. It is relatively accessible from most major cities by train and bus. You’ll take the cable car up at Schattdorf LSH up to Haldi.

0.0 mi /  0.0 km - The gondola drops you off and Berggasthaus is on your right.  Begin your ascent by following the main road (Haldistrasse) straight and keep to the signs directing you toward Bälmeten. You’ll have to walk through town before you can start the real hike.

1.3 mi / 2.0 km - Berghaus oberfield. Stayed the night here and it was lovely. But this is certainly doable as an out and back day hike. If you’re heading to the berghaus, you’ll make a left when you get to the first intersection off the main road and follow up and around.

             * Follow the road Oberes oberfield

2.0 mi / 3.2 km -  Town ends, trail begins wandering through thick forest.

2.2 mi / 3.5 km - At the end of the forest the trail opens up and there is a troth with a spigot. You may not have gone too far yet, but this is a great place to stop before you begin the challenging part of your day. Follow the rocky path with switchbacks up the base of the mountain.

2.8 mi / 4.4 km – You arrive at Alpbeizli Stafelalp, This is a fun place to stop for snacks. There are likely to be cows or goats roaming around. Enjoy the break before continuing on the main trail.

Continue several more switchbacks until the path straightens out but steadily inclines. You’ll find yourself ascending into and through a boulder field.

3.9 mi / 6.2 km - At the intersection make a right. If you choose to go straight, you’ll reach the col between Hoch Füllen and Bälmeten. This is the direction you’ll return. Follow the trail as it begins to incline steeply.

4.3 mi / 6.9 km - Reach the ridgeline and intersection. In the distance, you’ll see the lower Italian alps. Just past those is Milan. Make a right here and follow the ridgeline to the summit.

4.7 mi / 7.52 km- Summit Bälmeten! You’re at an elevation of 7926 feet (2,416 m) be sure to sign the summit book. Enjoy views of the surrounding towns and Seewilse (the lake below.)

Return

• Return the way you came and at the first intersection, instead of turning left here, continue straight and skirt around the col. Once you’ve reached the mountain meadow at the second intersection, you have a choice
• Here, you have the option to continue straight and take a detour and summit Hoch Füllen. It’s not too crazy but it will add extra time to your trip. It’s straight up from here. Or, you can choose to head left and retrace your steps back to the gondola.   

Things to note

• This hike can be done in the winter as well, but access is more difficult.
• Just like most hikes in the Swiss alps, you have the option to turn this into a through hike or a loop! It’s very flexible.