Switzerland’s largest alp is a political anomaly; although situated to the east of the Klausen Pass on the Glarus side, it belongs to Canton Uri. This high plateau at the foot of the Claridenstock is worth a visit.

The road starts its ascent of the Klausen Pass in the direction of Central Switzerland at Linthal. After the first few hairpin bends, the road reaches a high plateau, Urnerboden. Although the pass summit is still several kilometres away, the largest alp in Switzerland is on Canton Uri territory.

Legend has it that the cantonal boundary was marked by two runners, one starting in Altdorf and one in Glarus at the first dawn crow of the cockerel. It was agreed that the boundary would be drawn where the two runners met. The Uri side starved their cockerel the night before to ensure he awoke early. The Glarus side overfed their cockerel to encourage him to display his gratitude by heralding dawn early. The Altdorf cockerel crowed at the crack of dawn, whereas the well-fed and sleepy Glarus cockerel didn’t wake up until the sun was high in the sky…

It is a fact that the boundary between the two cantons was drawn in 1315, ending a lengthy political conflict. Urnerboden belongs to the municipality of Spiringen. The alp has been inhabited year-round since October 1877. Today, around 40 people live here throughout the year, down from 250 in the 1930’s. Up to 1200 cows graze here in summer. The Gemsfairenalp and Fiseten are cattle alps with combined grazing for up to 700 head of cattle.

The wide open landscape of Urnerboden is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, ice-climbing, ski touring, dog-sled rides etc.

A replacement for the old cableway from Urnerboden zu Fisetengrat was opened in 2001. A crucial factor of the area’s tourism, it transports climbers and ski tourers to the Fisetengrat, from where a high trail leads to the pass summit. Another high trail with a wonderful view of the Tödi and Clariden peaks connects the Urnerboden with the Braunwald plateau.

Highlights

• Urnerboden – Switzerland’s largest alp with grazing for 1200 cows. Situated on the eastern (Glarus) side of the Klausen Pass, but belongs to Canton Uri.
• Clariden – a popular route to this peak starts at the Klausen Pass. The Clariden is a winter ski touring favourite. Beautiful view of the Tödi peak.