August 30, 2017 - Hike in Braunwald, in the Glarus region

Today Leslie and I drove to the town on Linthal in the Glarus valley and took the funicular up to the town of Brauwald, which is a car-free town.

We reach our first level up in Braunwald. Now, I did mention that it was a car-free town, but there are these roads for the farm equipment, deliveries, and to bring people to their hotels. 

Leslie and I start out on a small trail, not really knowing where it will lead. 

Even the fire hydrants are cute!

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We eventually need to just turn around here. We came across a very wet area which was difficult to cross. Then we met some hikers coming the other way. They told us that to arrive at the next level where there would be a cable lift or restaurant would be steep and take us a long time - not quite up to my ability!

We returned back into town and decided to take a lift up to the next level. 

We see one of the lifts, but it was not open, so we had to make our way to a different lift. 

Another mode of transportation up here!

We find our lift! 

Along the way is another area with vacation homes.

We are at the top! Well, this is not the very top. There was another lift to go to the very top, but it was also closed. As this was the end of the summer vacation season, not all the lifts are open. You need to pay attention to when the last lift will go back down, otherwise you'll have to hike down!

What a great view!

A great place to put a bench. Right on the edge of this outcropping of rock. 

My turn!

Leslie

Gail

We were blessed to have nice weather

These red signs are just for fun. They are pointing to different cities in the world and how long a flight to get there. 

We find an upper ridge trail from the ski lift and follow it. 

The trail comes to a steep rock face. How to pass? The Swiss build a hiking tunnel! 

And the trail continues!

On the other side of the tunnel we find ourselves at a ridge which overlooks a valley on the other side. On the left is another ski area which is accessible this way. We were also near another ski lift which was closed.  

Up at the ridge. Have to make sure the cows don't fall off!

Looking north into this back valley. We can see another beautiful mountain lake. It's called Oberblegisee. Of course there are trails everywhere and it is possible to hike to this lake, about 2 1/2 hours from where we are. 

Just love these trails!

Now, this just seems like a rock face, but there are actually ropes anchored in to climb this. These are also climbing practice areas. 

And of course, at the top of any ski lift there is a restaurant for food and refreshments! We enjoyed some ice cream with a view, 

We are now back down in Braunwald at the funicular station, waiting for the next ride down to Linthal. 

We make a quick stop in the town of Glarus

Back home in Jona we enjoyed our dinner on our balcony.