Hike Report – ‘Braunwald Panoramaweg’ (SM 816-M)

Short Description

“Braunwald Panoramaweg” (“Braunwald Panoramic Route”) is, at least in the official version – a short but sweet circular trail with a constant view of the Glarus Alps.

First, a funicular takes you up to Braunwald, from where you can either take the cable car, or skip it for my version of the hike.

Impressions

Jenny’s knee was feeling better, but not perfect, so we opted for a shorter hike with an optional cable car down if it decided to act up.

Of course my version excludes the cable car, but excluding the funicular as well would have been a bit much (+3 hours).

The hike itself is pleasant, as are the panoramic views promised by its name.

Near Vorderer Leitereggstock peak, which you don’t scale as part of the hike by the way, we met an older lady who told us all about her hiking adventures in her youth both here and elsewhere.

Highlights include a paraglider hanging from a cliff near this very spot (he was rescued), visiting Oberblegisee (Lake Oberblegi) as a child 70 odd years ago when there wasn’t much of a road there, and a glacier walk including a German lady who insisted she was experienced enough to come along but then needed a long pep talk before crossing every single crevice.

It was a nice lunch and it was interesting to hear about some of the life experience she chose to share. Keep on hiking, older lady! We hope to still be as fit as you at your age 🙂

Another noteworthy moment followed shortly, near Gulmen. The above scene was so imposing on the one hand and so typically Swiss on the other, I just had to capture it, and I think the intended impression comes across quite well.

What makes it imposing, or awesome is of course the backdrop of the Glarus Alps. What makes it typically Swiss is the couple (of people) having lunch or just enjoying the view on the one bench, some people doing the same on the other, a hiking sign post between them, a cable car station close by and out of frame, and finally: The best (or only) bench already being taken when you would like to sit down for a lunch with a view (not that there’s something wrong with a nice big rock to sit on).

The way down was as pleasant as the way up and we thoroughly enjoyed our day. Recommended.

Would you like to share your own experiences with this hike? Do you have any questions? Something to add? Feel free to leave a comment below 🙂

Route Report / Gallery

This is one of my first hikes with my new camera, so obviously any good pictures are a matter of pure luck. Nonetheless, full size images without watermarks are available for licensing to interested parties. Check romans.pictures, or contact me for details.