Hiking
Kärpfbrugg-Rundweg
Schwanden (Mettmen)–Schwanden (Mettmen)
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Kärpfbrugg-Rundweg
Schwanden (Mettmen)–Schwanden (Mettmen)
This scenic walk through Freiberg Kärpf, Europe's oldest wildlife reserve, leads across the 50 meter wide Kärpf bridge and along the Garichti lake back to Mettmen.
The top layer of the Kärpf bridge consists of Lochseiten limestone with softer, slaty flysch rock underneath. The Niederenbach brook has carved its underground path through the rock, thereby forming the Kärpf bridge. The natural bridge is one of the most spectacular outcrops of the Glarus thrust.
At low water level, it is possible to walk through the approx. 50 meter long, 3 to 4 meter high underground streambed (at your own risk!). Guided hikes through Freiberg Kärpf are also offered.
Tip: The trail can be extended to the Legler hut, a cozy and modern Swiss Alpine Club hut, managed with excellent care and serving delicious home-cooked food. Overnight accommodations are also available.
At low water level, it is possible to walk through the approx. 50 meter long, 3 to 4 meter high underground streambed (at your own risk!). Guided hikes through Freiberg Kärpf are also offered.
Tip: The trail can be extended to the Legler hut, a cozy and modern Swiss Alpine Club hut, managed with excellent care and serving delicious home-cooked food. Overnight accommodations are also available.
This scenic walk through Freiberg Kärpf, Europe's oldest wildlife reserve, leads across the 50 meter wide Kärpf bridge and along the Garichti lake back to Mettmen.
The top layer of the Kärpf bridge consists of Lochseiten limestone with softer, slaty flysch rock underneath. The Niederenbach brook has carved its underground path through the rock, thereby forming the Kärpf bridge. The natural bridge is one of the most spectacular outcrops of the Glarus thrust.
At low water level, it is possible to walk through the approx. 50 meter long, 3 to 4 meter high underground streambed (at your own risk!). Guided hikes through Freiberg Kärpf are also offered.
Tip: The trail can be extended to the Legler hut, a cozy and modern Swiss Alpine Club hut, managed with excellent care and serving delicious home-cooked food. Overnight accommodations are also available.
At low water level, it is possible to walk through the approx. 50 meter long, 3 to 4 meter high underground streambed (at your own risk!). Guided hikes through Freiberg Kärpf are also offered.
Tip: The trail can be extended to the Legler hut, a cozy and modern Swiss Alpine Club hut, managed with excellent care and serving delicious home-cooked food. Overnight accommodations are also available.
Length | Number of stages
7 km
| 1 Stage
Ascent | Descent
400 m | 400 m
Hiking time
2 h 25 min
Grade | Fitness level
medium
(mountain hiking trail)
|
easy
Arrival | return travel
Season
Season
Please note: Snow fields are possible on the upper sections right through to the summer months.
Signalization
Signalization
From the mountain station of the Kies - Mettmen aerial tramway, follow the hiking trail/information board signs to the Garichtisee reservoir, then follow the signposts to «Chärpfbrugg». After the bridge, continue in the direction of «Legler Hut SAC». When you reach a fork in the path, take the turnoff to “Chärpfstäfeli”, and from there continue in the direction of «Matzlenfurggelen». Return to the starting point via «Oberes Börtli» and «Unteres Börtli».
