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Intro

A legendary trail on Switzerland's largest alp: the Urnerboden cross-country ski trail, a.k.a. «Gulispur», is sure to have snow due to its shadowed location at 1,400 metres. The trail gets its nickname from a fat Glarus rooster.

Description

To put an end to the repeated disputes that arose over the fertile Urnerboden pastureland between the cantons of Glarus and Uri, a race was planned. One runner from each canton would start when the first cock crowed in the morning. The place they met would mark the cantonal border. While the Glarus farmers fattened up their «Guli» (rooster), Uri’s rooster went hungry. Legend has it that the latter crowed far earlier on the day of the race giving the runner from Uri a huge lead – so although topographically Urnerboden belongs to Glarus, administratively it is an exclave of Spirigen (UR).

Its cross-country ski trail – known as «Gulispur» (the cock's track) – runs between the upper part of the village, Unterport, and Glätti. There are several shortcut options. The route follows the Fätschbach to the hamlet Argseeli. Featuring level stretches, short steep slopes and slanting sections, it makes several turns before reaching the turn-around point. In sight the whole time: the peaks that frame Urnerboden: Jägerstöcke, Rot Nossen, Signalstock and Schijen to the valley’s north, while Clariden, Bocktschingel, Tüfelshöhrner and Gemsfairenstock of the Fiseten ridge form the backdrop to the south.

About 30 people still live on Switzerland's largest alp year round. As the Klausen pass is closed in winter, the high valley can only be reached via Linthal (GL), making Unterboden a quiet destination for an excursion to untouched, wild nature. Good snow conditions are guaranteed in December and January in particular, when the slope lies in shadow.

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
Urnerboden
Destination
Urnerboden
Ascent
130 m
Descent
130 m
Distance
10 km
Physical requirements
Medium
Signalization
Signalisation in one direction

Map

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

Contact

Verkehrsverein Urnerboden
Dorfstrasse 26
8751  Urnerboden

Phone  +41 (0)55 643 21 31
verkehrsverein@urnerboden.ch
urnerboden.ch

Quick Facts

Route number

Distance

10 km

Ascent

130 m

Travel information: Urnerboden

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