ViaSuworow
Overview
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Distance 14 km
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Duration 3 h 35 min
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Ascent 180 m
Intro
The trail leads alongside the Klöntalersee (lake) between mighty cliff faces down to Glarus. Anyone chancing a dip in the Klöntalsee may find the Russian war chest. It's reputed to have been sunk in the lake as the French attacked.
Description
Moving Suvorov's entire army from the Muotatal valley to Glarnerland took a total of six days. On 29 September 1799, Auffenberg and his brigade embarked first on their march over the Pragel. The day after, General Bagration and the Schweikowski Division with Suvorov followed. Engaged in constant battles against the French, the Russians prevented Masséna from advancing through the Muotatal.
From the Hinter Klöntal valley, a path leads along the right side of the lake, where driving is prohibited. The opposite Mutteristock and Schijen mountains are reflected beautifully on the clear water. Various spots along the shore invite you to linger. After just over an hour, you pass a group of stones slightly below: the Gessner Monument. This work created by nature was dedicated to idyll poet and painter Salomon Gessner by two admirers in 1788. It remains unclear whether they were indeed paying tribute to Gessner at the time or whether it was more about immortalising themselves. Either way, the Klöntal gained popularity in one fell swoop with the publication of this story in 1789.
At the time of Gessner and Suvorov, Lake Klöntal was still much smaller. Another battle took place near Seerüti during the night of 30 September to 1 October. General Molitor advanced with the French as far as the lake. That same night, Russian soldiers climbed the mountain slopes to the left of Lake Klöntal and tried to attack the French from the rear via Dejenalp. The French were forced to retreat towards Glarus and Netstal. They narrowly escaped over a bridge near Ennetbühls – thus avoiding certain doom.
It takes just under two hours to reach Seerüti. From here, a scenic path along the stream leads downhill towards Glarus. After the gorge around Chohlgrüebli, the terrain opens up again. Shortly after Staldengarten, you are back in civilisation and soon after in Glarus.
Suvorov remained in the camp near Glarus for three days until his arrière-garde arrived on 4 October. A council of war was held here. The starved and exhausted troops badly needed two or three days of rest. Their clothing and footwear were in a desolate condition.
*Background information and quotations stages 55.1-55.9: Alois Camenzind (1992), Maultiere machen Geschichte oder Suworows Krieg in den Schweizer Alpen im Jahre 1799, Luzern: Verlag Pro Libro Luzern GmbH
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 |
Hinter Klöntal
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Glarus
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
800 m
|
| Ascent |
180 m
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| Descent |
560 m
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| Distance |
14 km
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| Duration |
3 h 35 min
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| Duration back |
4 h
|
| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Season |
May - October
|
| Theme |
With panoramic view, Along Water
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| More information | https://www.schweizmobil.ch/en/wanderland/etappe55... |
Quick Facts
Route number
