Hint

Intro

The Sernftal valley with the striking Glarus overthrust is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Swiss Tectonic Arena Sardona. Leave this impressive area by following an extensive route over the Richetli Pass. Following the steep ascent, you arrive in the Durnachtal valley and then the largest village in the Glarus – Linthal.

Description

Stage four is quite something. At 24 km, with a total ascent of 1,650 m and descent of around 2,000 m, this is undoubtedly one of the most demanding stage on the Via Alpina. Fear not, all this hard work will be more than rewarded with the uniquely breathtaking views. Taking the gondola lift from Elm to Empächli is recommended. From there, a slightly less strenuous trail leads to Obererbs, before tackling the relentless ascent up the Richetli Pass.

Having conquered the pass, continue along the northern slope of the Durnachtal valley down towards Linthal. Following that first steep climb, you can take it more leisurely now through the forest and past various alps. Those in need of a little sustenance before reaching the destination can stop off at Alp Vorderdurnachtal, for example. This long stage can easily be divided in two by staying overnight in the Skihütte Obererbs.

Food/drink and accommodation along the route

Accommodation in Linthal or Braunwald (alternative)

Many options in Braunwald

 

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

Technical information

Show Technical information content
Start location
Elm
Destination
Linthal
Direction
One way
Ascent
1650 m
Descent
1950 m
Distance
25 km
Duration
9 h 10 min
Duration back
9 h 35 min
Technical requirements
Medium
Physical requirements
Difficult
Season
June - September
Theme
Over a pass, With panoramic view, To an alp, To a mountain peak

Route

Via Alpina

Vaduz - Montreux
Learn more about # title #

All stages

Map

SwitzerlandMobility Map: This element is not accessible for disabled people.

Quick Facts

Route number

Stage: 4/20

Distance

25 km

Duration

9 h 10 min

Ascent

1650 m

Travel information: Elm

Current Offers

  • Falera Private snowboard lessons for experienced riders in Laax

    Hone your snowboard style and perfect your technique and flow in Laax at an expert level. Experience... from CHF 90
    Offer details


    valid: 17.02.2026 - 12.04.2026

    Learn more about Private snowboard lessons for experienced riders in Laax
  • Flims World Heritage Sardona Snowshoe Experience

    Guided tour Mountain railway ticket Snowshoes (only with package) Poles (only with package) Safety... from CHF 70
    Offer details


    valid: 18.02.2026 - 11.03.2026

    Learn more about World Heritage Sardona Snowshoe Experience
  • Flims FlemXpress Cable Car from Flims

    Enjoy a flexible ride with the FlemXpress Cable Car from Flims. Hop on whenever you like. It's... from CHF 20
    Offer details


    valid: 15.02.2026 - 30.04.2026

    Learn more about FlemXpress Cable Car from Flims
  • Flims Self-Guided Culinary Trail Forest and Winter

    Experience a combined winter hike with a fixed route and a matching three-course menu featuring... from CHF 75
    Offer details


    valid: 20.02.2026 - 05.04.2026

    Learn more about Self-Guided Culinary Trail Forest and Winter
  • Laax Private advanced snowboard lessons in Laax

    Improve your snowboard technique in Laax with tailored private lessons for advanced riders.... from CHF 120
    Offer details


    valid: 17.02.2026 - 12.04.2026

    Learn more about Private advanced snowboard lessons in Laax
  • Laax Freestyle Academy Laax Ticket

    Use the indoor hall at Freestyle Academy for your personal training. Train for one or two hours or... from CHF 36
    Offer details


    valid: 15.02.2026 - 30.04.2026

    Learn more about Freestyle Academy Laax Ticket
  • Flims Culinary hike "Forest and Water" from Flims

    You hike along the impressive Rhine Gorge to Crestasee. Along the way, you stop three times at... from CHF 60
    Offer details


    valid: 15.05.2026 - 25.10.2026

    Learn more about Culinary hike "Forest and Water" from Flims
  • Flims Kulinarik Trail Wald und Wasser

    3 course menu without drinks for CHF 60.00 per person 11.15 am Starter at Bistro Kaufmannfrauen,... from CHF 60
    Offer details


    valid: 15.05.2026 - 25.10.2026

    Learn more about Kulinarik Trail Wald und Wasser
  • Laax Culinary hike "Mountain and View" from Laax

    You combine a scenic walk from Laax to Flims with visits to four restaurants. You take the panoramic... from CHF 90
    Offer details


    valid: 04.07.2026 - 25.10.2026

    Learn more about Culinary hike "Mountain and View" from Laax
  • Vättis (Taminatal) Wildlife watching bearded vulture and golden eagle

    Half-day excursion (in German) in the UNESCO World Heritage Tectonic Arena SardonaBenefit from the... from CHF 50
    Offer details


    valid: 25.05.2026 - 11.10.2026

    Learn more about Wildlife watching bearded vulture and golden eagle