This challenging hike leads to the popular Legler mountain hut overlooking the beautiful mountainous Glarnerland region in eastern Switzerland. If possible, stay overnight here for the full experience. But if you can’t, a day hike is just as nice and highly recommended.

The hike is difficult but not so long that you’ll give up hope. The hut is in the middle of the hike, at the end of your long climb, so perfect for lunchtime and a rest before the long descent. Along the way, you’ll see alpine lakes and walk along a rushing river, all the elements of a good Swiss hike.

How to get there

This trail is accessed by the Mettmenalp cable car near Schwanden. You can drive up the narrow mountain road and park at the cable car station (46°58’03.9″N 9°05’26.0″E). But it's a harrowing drive at times, so we suggest using the Park-n-Ride option and riding the bus from the Schwanden train station (get off at the Kies stop).

Tickets

You'll need a return ticket on the cable car. In 2024, this costs CHF 20/adult. No discounts with Swiss travel cards.

Make sure to check the operating times so you don't miss the last cable car down the mountain.

If you don't want to stress about that, stay overnight at the Legler hut or Mettmenalp hotel next to the cable car station (comes highly recommended by friends).

Trail info

From the top of the Mettmenalp cable car, follow signs to the Leglerhütte. We did a loop, so we saw something different on the way and down. We hiked counterclockwise, but I don't think it particularly matters which direction.

Trail: challenging • 12 km loop • 5h30 • 800m up and down
See trail map.

This is a typical mountain trail on a narrow dirt path with uneven terrain. It has lots of switchbacks and steep slopes, but no excessively dangerous exposed sections with cables. It takes good fitness to manage the climb, but most experienced hikers should find this trail average difficulty. We recommend hiking sticks on this trail.

• Learn more about this trail on SwissFamilyFun.com

Trail conditions: leglerhuette.ch • webcam • forecast