Achseli
Description
From Glarus, follow the eastern bank of the Linth upstream until the long ascent to Achseli begins just before Ennetlinth. Initially on a pleasant forest road, the path becomes rougher as the altitude increases. By the time you reach Achseli, you have climbed 900 meters, which is well worth it: The views of the Glarus valley floor and the surrounding mountains such as Tödi, Clariden and Glärnisch are fantastic. The descent begins with the mountain trail in the direction of Chli Gheist, heading downhill to the right after a small forest clearing. The trail winds its way through the steep forest over countless singletrail serpentines until it joins a forest road at a bridge over the Hellbach stream. You roll along this road to Sool, pass Schwanden and return to Glarus on the opposite side of the valley. The route leads past Schwändi, later you reach the farm settlement of Unter Rüti, and finally, after a short asphalt ascent towards Schwammhöchi, the wonderful final section through the Löntschtobel begins.
Map & GPX-Track
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Details of the tour
32 km
1420 m
1420 m
1 day
Glarus
Glarus
1498
well suited
More tours nearby
User comments (13)
About the author: Thomas Giger
Note: This content has been automatically translated from German. Please report any incorrect translations.
I rode my e-MTB yesterday—perfect conditions. Without the battery, it’s really hard work, and the final section is only rideable by top-level riders. Luckily, that wasn’t a problem for me; even with the battery, you really have to earn it here. The descent via GPX is technically easy (S1 according to Strava), except that you have to shift your weight off the rear wheel (or dismount) in most of the hairpin turns. I’m definitely going to have to master this technique now.... The area is generally very steep, so you definitely shouldn’t be afraid of heights. All in all, it’s very rewarding, especially in dry conditions. Next time, I’ll try the ChliGheist route.
I rode the route today (July 4, 2026). The uphill sections weren't exactly easy, riding-wise. In any case, it's a great route where, as mentioned, you can add a few extra trails at the bottom.
For strong riders (uphill and downhill): you can also ride the downhill trail described here uphill - it's all rideable (except for some of the switchbacks). A slightly more challenging downhill can be found if you keep left shortly after the start of the trail (on the 1500m line to Chli Gheist). You should definitely take the lower parts of the trail with you in both variants, these are missing here in the GPX. Simply cross the bridge at point 931 and then head downhill.https://link.locusmap.app/t/yta3oy
I was out there today. I extended the Achselirunde with the Guferstock. That gives 1900hm and a very juicy ascent. It is rewarded with an absolutely awesome descent. The hairpin bends of Ennendaner Howald are also mostly rideable without offsetting. And in between it is mega flowy...and endless! Recommended if you don't shy away from the uphill slog. Have fun!
Hi Claire, were you really on the Gufer(l) stock (2435)? I think you at least had to carry it up there. Or did you just go a little further up in that direction? BG
The climb is really steep towards the end! I was able to ride it thanks to the ebike, but it was still tricky. Not suitable for beginners.
The first descent is nice, but as mentioned by another rider, it's quite tricky. At the end of the first descent, you can ride up the gravel path for a few more meters and turn into a hiking trail. This is where the technical challenge comes in. Once you reach the path below (bridge and waterfall), there is a very nice trail slightly below the gravel path! This rounded off the first descent nicely.
I extended the last ascent to the start of the flow trail. That was a nice finish!
Checked 2016
So this tour without an ebike is really REALLY just fitness training & mortification. I'm fit, but it's no fun. And when we finally reached the top, we were back down again in no time...
Important at the end: If you can't ride sharp hairpin bends, you'll be slightly annoyed after this tour.
Has anyone ever done the tour on a normal bike?
Has anyone ridden this tour recently?
Would like to ride it. Does anyone have a condition report?
Many thanks
vivalagrischa@wordpress.com
I rode the route in the opposite direction last Saturday (August 11, 2018). Everything was tip top.
Greetings and have fun
Justin
The tour is really beautiful - especially the scenery. The ascent is really tough. The descent, on the other hand, is never four out of six - especially not if you compare it with the Spina Trail on the Gonzen. Three points is more than enough. In the end, I was a little disappointed because I always look for exciting descents. However, the tour is absolutely suitable for my 72-year-old father. So I will do it again with him ;-)
Hello
A really beautiful tour. Initially a very nice, easy ascent on forest roads. The last 100 vertical meters are a bit rough. But the view is amazing!
The Achseli-Sool section is still closed. However, the forestry worker lets you through, you just have to ask nicely;-) The descent through the Hohwald forest is littered with felled trees, but there is the option of continuing straight on along the trail towards "Chligheist". Really breathtaking and a super rideable trail on paved forest ground with hairpin bends, where you can pat yourself on the back if you don't have to get off the saddle ;-)
The final ascent to Schwändi gives you the rest and the descent via Riedern to Glarus is definitely worth it.
For me personally, this is the most beautiful and coolest route on the Ride-Side so far.
A big thank you!