The Stäuben Waterfall near Äsch, around 100 metres high, combines a striking natural landmark with a specific route: Äsch can be reached on foot from Unterschächen in just under an hour. This walking time is a guideline and may vary depending on conditions. The hike to Brunnialp also offers a cultural stop along the way, as the route passes the Bad Chapel, built in 1708.
Valley Landscape and Alpine Scenery
Unterschächen lies in the upper part of the Schächental Valley in Uri. Its notable municipal boundaries include the Schächentaler Windgellen to the north, Klausen Pass to the east, and Gross Windgällen, Ruchen and Schärhörner to the south. In addition to the hamlets of Urigen, Schwanden, Brunni and Klausen Pass, the municipality includes the dispersed settlement of Schwandenbergen, numerous groups of houses, alpine settlements and isolated farmsteads.
The Brunnital near Unterschächen is a designated wildlife sanctuary with alpine flora and fauna, framed by the north face of the Ruchen. This face lies at the southern end of the Brunnital and is considered Europe’s largest continuous limestone wall. The valley is also a starting point for hikes and mountain tours. Unterschächen has around 95 kilometres of marked, well-maintained hiking trails.
Routes with Different Highlights
The hiking trail from Unterschächen to Brunnialp is just under four kilometres long. Those looking for a historical highlight along the way will pass the Bad Chapel. For a longer mountain tour, a steep climb leads up the flank of Oberstafelplanggen to a viewpoint peak on the south side of the Schächental Valley; allow around two hours. Plan for alpine conditions. Another longer route leads from the Chammli, Oberalp, Niederalp, Wannelen, Trogen and Brunnialp alpine pastures to Unterschächen; the stated walking time is five to six hours.
In the Brunnital, a trail leads via the Alte Brunniweg and Alt Rüti to the Sittlisalp cable car’s valley station. There is also a trail in the Brunnital for puzzle enthusiasts. It can be walked in either direction and offers puzzle fun for adults and children. The animal puzzle trail has 18 panels featuring animal-themed riddles. These routes offer different highlights, with puzzle stations along the way as well as longer walks and alpine tours.
Chapels and Craftsmanship
The parish church of St. Theodul was built in 1681 and embellished with stucco work and paintings in 1770. The ossuary chapel was consecrated in 1701. Its Baroque frescoes depict the seven deadly sins, the Last Judgment and the souls of the poor. Together with the Bad Chapel on the route to Brunnialp, these buildings add a historical dimension to the landscape.
The Bielen sawmill offers another glimpse into local history: this working sawmill, dating from 1850, is powered by the Hinterschächen mountain stream and features an exhibition on historic woodworking tools. Visits are possible by request from May to October; guided tours are available by arrangement. Request your visit and confirm it in advance.
Winter, Cable Car and Alpine Dairy
The Unterschächen cross-country ski trail is 6.5 kilometres long and prepared for both classic and skating styles. It is illuminated daily from 6:15 pm to 9:00 pm. As grooming and operating details may depend on maintenance and snow conditions, check the times and current conditions before travelling. The Raiffeisen cross-country skiing centre is the starting point for the trail and has changing rooms, showers, toilets and a waxing room; check the facilities on site if they are important to your plans.
A public aerial cable car connects Unterschächen Brunnital with Sittlisalp. The valley station is at an altitude of 1,096 metres and the mountain station at 1,615 metres. For a moderately difficult ski tour, the Sittlisalp cable car at the entrance to the Brunnital provides access to the starting point; its operation may vary by season. Check operating details and technical information before your ride. The 80-metre-long Pinocchio children’s ski lift is in Schwand, south of the village, and is used to learn basic skiing skills.
At the Sittlisalp alpine dairy, guests can enjoy seasonal milk products in a variety of forms. Tours are available for groups of five or more and should be arranged in advance. Depending on when you travel, you can combine your stay with hikes, mountain tours or the winter activities described above.
Discover more destinations: Seelisberg, Erstfeld, Wassen, Göschenen, Bauen, Hospental, Altdorf, Andermatt.
For the regional travel overview: Uri.
