Suworow-Route
Overview
-
-
Distance 48 km
-
Ascent 1250 m
Intro
Old General Suworow badgers cyclists through Muotatal, extremely steep through the Bödmeren spruce jungle, mercilessly up to the karst landscape of the Pragelpass, down to the fiord of the crystal-clear Klöntalersee and on to Glarus.
Description
The peak of the Grosser Mythen has a reddish gleam. Its colour comes from the ferrous clay minerals in the marlstone. The cycling trail signs at the Muota river that show the way to the Pragel Pass and on to Glarus are also red. A final look back at Schwyz, where the Swiss Federal Charter from 1291 is solemnly preserved and well protected, then it's down into the fun of the Muotatal valley. It's best not to think too much yet about the 1,250 metres of elevation you have to cover.
You soon reach the notorious Suvorov Bridge, which was built in 1810. It commemorates the Russian General Suvorov, who chivvied his troops over the wild Muota river and defeated the French 11 years earlier. The Stoosbahn funicular railway is an impressive modern construction: With a gradient of 110 percent, it set a world record. Luckily, today's stage is less steep. Nevertheless, the gradient of up to 18 percent can be challenging.
While the village of Muotatal is small, the municipality is big. Covering more than 170 square kilometres, it's among the largest in Switzerland. After a few kilometres on the main road, it gets a lot more peaceful. The Pragel begins here, and below, deep in the ground, is the Hölloch cave system. Extending over around 200 kilometres, it's the second-longest system in Europe.
The Pragel Pass is closed to cars and motorbikes at the weekend – making it all the better for cyclists. On the Silberen, you pass through Switzerland's largest karst area, while the Bödmeren forest is one of the most primitive in the Alps. The spruces are up to 500 years old and comfortable at more than 1,000 metres of elevation. Ride-sharing benches line the way. While they're intended as organised hitch-hiking for anyone on foot, cyclists can also have a seat there and take in the scenery. Better still, you can enjoy the Alpine restaurant on the Pragel Pass, surrounded by the sounds of cowbells and the mountains along the Mieserenstock. After all, you have to recharge your batteries at some point. However, you don't need much power on the descent to the Klöntalersee lake.
As enchanting as the lake itself is, sometimes it's better to steer clear. Particularly when you can't find a way through the many towels on the narrow beaches. So keep going along the Löntsch river to the Zaunplatz, the Glarus cantonal assembly square. On the first Sunday in May, people vote here by raising their hand. Otherwise, the square is often empty. The bakery here is a perfect spot to round off the tour, with Glarus pastries and a view of the rugged Glarus mountains.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Schwyz
|
|---|---|
| Destination |
Glarus
|
| Ascent |
1250 m
|
| Descent |
1300 m
|
| Distance |
48 km
|
| Distance on tarred ways |
47 km
|
| Distance on natural surface |
1 km
|
| Physical requirements |
Difficult
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view, Over a pass
|
| More information | https://schweizmobil.ch/en/cycling-in-switzerland/... |
Quick Facts
Route number
