Holzflue Rundweg (Holzflue Circular Trail): The Ultimate Guide

The Holzflue Rundweg (Holzflue Circular Trail) is a short, scenic circuit in the canton of Glarus (Glarnerland). This hike provides some of the best views of the Glarus Alps and the Linth Valley. After doing plenty of hikes in the area, we highly recommend adding this one to your Glarus hiking to-do list.

In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know about the Holzflue Rundweg.

What Is the Holzflue Rundweg?

The Holzflue Rundweg is a short loop trail in Aeugsten, a picturesque mountain area and a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tectonic Arena Sardona.

The area was granted this status in 2008 because it's one of the best places in the world demonstrating how mountains form. By doing this hike, you'll explore a small part of this incredible World Heritage-listed site.

Surrounded by the majestic Glarus Alps, you'll pass through a forest filled with boulders and lovely alpine pasture. You'll also enjoy breathtaking, sweeping views of the Linth Valley.

Switzerland Mobility officially recognises it as route number 821. On the yellow signposts along the route, you'll see green 821 stickers showing you the way.

Trail Specs

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 4.3km
• Time: 1.5–2 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain/loss: 390m
• Trailhead: Aeugsten Cable Car Station (Bärenboden)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Map: AllTrails

Holzflue Rundweg Map

We used this AllTrails map to help us navigate the route. Albeit, you might even manage without one, as there are a couple of maps along the route and plenty of signposting. In addition, it's a fairly simple circular route to follow.

How to Do the Holzflue Rundweg

Follow these simple steps to do the Holzflue Rundweg.

1. Make a cable car reservation in advance, if required (contact and scheduling details).
2. Arrive at the Ennenda Valley Cable Car Station.
3. Catch the Aeugstenbahn (cable car) from the Ennenda Valley Cable Car Station to the Aeugsten Mountain Cable Car Station at Bärenboden.
4. Complete the circular hike (numbered 2 on the area's official map, see below).
5. Catch the Aeugstenbahn back down to Ennenda.

Below, we'll explain these steps a little further.

How to Get to Ennenda

You can drive or take a train (+/- bus) to get to the valley cable car station in Ennenda.

Drive There

We hired a car from Zurich Airport for our Glarus hiking trip. So, we simply drove there.

Parking is limited and free at the cable car station. To guarantee a spot, we recommend arriving early during peak times, such as weekends and summer holidays. Beck and I arrived early enough to secure free parking here.

If the cable car parking is full, you'll need to park at the pay and display Ennenda Train Station Car Park. From there, it's a roughly 500 metre walk to the cable car station.

Public Transport

You can catch a train to Ennenda Train Station to do the Holzflue Rundweg. As mentioned, from there, it's a roughly 500 metre walk to the cable car station.

Alternatively, you can catch a train to Glarus Train Station. Then, from the bus stop outside of the train station, get a bus straight to the Ennenda Valley Cable Car Station.

Use the SBB website or mobile app to plan your journey.

Aeugstenbahn (Cable Car)

You'll catch the eight-seat cable car (gondola) from Ennenda to Aeugsten to do the Holzflue Rundweg.

During the high season (April/May to October), the cable car runs continuously on the weekend. However, you'll need to book the cable car in advance if you plan on using it mid-week (Monday to Friday).

During the low season, you'll always need to book in advance, whether it's mid-week or the weekend.

When Beck and I visited in the high season, we paid CHF 19 each for a return ticket. For single passengers, a surcharge applies between 9am and 5pm, every day of the week. Between 7am and 9am and 5pm and 7pm, this single-person surcharge doesn't apply.

Check the official Aeugstenbahn website for the most up-to-date information about scheduling and costs.

Holzflue Rundweg: Our Experience

Beck and I arrived at the Ennenda Valley Cable Car Station nice and early to do the Holzflue Rundweg. We did this hike in the morning, then did the Lake Talalpsee Hike (guide coming soon) in the afternoon with our little boy.

We did the hike in the high season, on the weekend, so we didn't need to make a reservation. We arrived early, parked at the valley cable car station, and caught the cable car shortly after.

From the Aeugsten Mountain Cable Car Station in Bärenboden, we hiked up towards the true trailhead (where the circuit actually commences). You'll pass the Bergrestaurant Augsten (Augstenhütte) before arriving there. Surely, a great place for a meal/drink.

Although the AllTrails map suggested hiking anti-clockwise, an official map en route suggested going clockwise. So, we hiked Holzflue Rundweg clockwise!

Early on, you'll pass an unnamed hill (as far as we can tell) with a wooden bench that provides superb views of the Linth Valley.

You'll then enter the Augstenwald-Holzflue Forest Reserve. Although the hike is short, it has a lot of accumulated elevation gain. So, you'll be huffing and puffing as you walk through the beautiful dense pine forest.

Eventually, the forest opens up to a boulder-filled, exposed area at the foot of Schilt. We even thought about continuing up to the peak of Schilt, but decided we wouldn't have enough time to complete the planned afternoon hike. The peak is awe-inspiring.

You'll soon re-enter a dense pocket of forest before arriving at Alp Begligen. This high mountain pasture features a small hut and is surrounded by the glorious Glarus Alps. From there, you'll descend back toward Bärenboden, soaking in more glorious views of the Linth Valley.

Where to Stay Nearby

During our Glarus hiking trip, we stayed in a secluded, picturesque village called Filzbach in Glarus Nord, just above the Glarus valley.

To find the perfect place to stay, we recommend using Booking.com.