The best walks and hikes around Niederurnen
4.7
(517)
4,464
hikers
32
hikes
Hiking around Niederurnen offers access to diverse alpine landscapes within the Swiss canton of Glarus. The region is characterized by prominent mountain ranges like the Glarus Alps and the Mürtschenstock massif, alongside the Hirzli and Planggenstock peaks, which are composed of sedimentary rocks. Hikers can explore the Linth Valley and the Niederurnen Valley, an area with a distinct alpine character, often encountering panoramic views of Lake Walen (Walensee) and Lake Zurich. The network of trails provides a variety of experiences, from challenging mountain ascents to more accessible paths.
Best hiking trails around Niederurnen
- The most popular hiking route is Hirzli Loop Trail, a 6.6 miles (10.7 km) difficult trail that takes 4 hours 30 minutes to complete. This route offers panoramic views over Walensee and Lake Zurich, including a challenging ridge path.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is View of Lake Walen (Walensee) – View from Hirzli loop from Morgenholz, a difficult 5.2 miles (8.4 km) path. This trail provides expansive views of Lake Walen and the surrounding alpine scenery.
- Local hikers also love the View of Lake Walen (Walensee) – View from Hirzli loop from Niederurnen, a 9.4 miles (15.1 km) trail leading through varied terrain with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 6 hours 50 minutes.
- Hiking around Niederurnen is defined by alpine valleys, panoramic lake views, and prominent mountain peaks. The extensive network of routes offers options for various ability levels, from demanding ascents to more leisurely paths.
- The routes in Niederurnen are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 510 reviews. More than 4000 hikers have used komoot to explore Niederurnen's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
4.9
(28)
191
hikers
10.7km
04:30
650m
640m
This difficult 6.6-mile circular hike offers panoramic views over Walensee and Lake Zurich, with a challenging ridge path to Planggenstock.
4.7
(106)
770
hikers
8.40km
04:01
650m
650m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.6
(67)
613
hikers
15.1km
06:52
1,210m
1,210m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(31)
244
hikers
14.0km
06:50
1,370m
1,370m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.8
(18)
147
hikers
17.6km
05:36
630m
630m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Niederurnen
Tips from the Community
small bridge on the southern shore of the Obersee, leads over a (currently dry) small stream. The footpath around the Obersee is very beautiful, for hikers and bikers, completely easily passable.
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There are a lot of great sculptures and the path is steep in places
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The view of the lake is stunning.✨
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The cows are not free-range, but in the fenced pasture.
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Impressive, but also a little scary... Will more come down at some point?
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In spring 2025, the house was renovated and is finally open again! The kitchen is wonderful again; normally closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
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Lake Obersee in Glarus is a great starting point for countless easy and beautiful hikes, for example: simply beautiful and short: around the lake. There's a parking lot. The road from Näfels to Lake Obersee is often very narrow, with passing places. You'll usually encounter oncoming cars and have to pull over to the nearest passing place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Niederurnen?
There are over 30 hiking trails around Niederurnen, offering a range of experiences from easy walks to challenging mountain ascents. The region features 9 easy, 12 moderate, and 13 difficult routes.
What types of views can I expect on hikes in Niederurnen?
Hikers in Niederurnen are treated to breathtaking panoramic views. Trails often overlook Lake Walen (Walensee) and Lake Zurich, and on clear days, views can extend as far as the Black Forest. Notable viewpoints include the summit of Gross Aubrig and Mt. Hirzli, which offer expansive vistas over various lakes and the Glarus, Urner, and Alpstein Alps.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in Niederurnen?
Yes, a section of the ascent to Hirzli is known as the Skulpturenweg (Sculpture Path). This trail features wooden carvings of native animals, making it an engaging and fun experience, especially for children.
Are there any circular hiking routes in the Niederurnen area?
Yes, several circular routes are available. A popular option is the Hirzli Loop Trail, a challenging 6.6-mile (10.7 km) hike offering panoramic views over Walensee and Lake Zurich. Another is the View of Obersee – Obersee East Shore loop from Nieder- und Oberurnen, which is a longer 10.9-mile (17.5 km) difficult route.
What natural attractions can I see while hiking near Niederurnen?
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can visit the impressive Seerenbach Falls, among the highest waterfalls in Switzerland, or enjoy the serene waters of Obersee East Shore and Klöntalersee. Prominent peaks like Federispitz and Planggenstock also offer stunning alpine scenery.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Niederurnen?
The trails in Niederurnen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 510 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse alpine landscapes, the stunning panoramic lake views, and the well-maintained paths that cater to various ability levels.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced trekkers?
Yes, Niederurnen offers several challenging routes. The Federigrat – Federispitz loop from Ziegelbrücke is a strenuous 8.9-mile (14.3 km) hike requiring excellent fitness and alpine experience. The View of Lake Walen (Walensee) – View from Hirzli loop from Niederurnen is another difficult option, covering 9.4 miles (15.1 km) with significant elevation gain.
Can I access hiking trails in Niederurnen using public transport?
Yes, public transport can provide access to various starting points. For example, a cable car offers easy access into the Niederurnen Valley, which serves as a convenient starting point for several hikes, including a trek along the mountain crest to Planggenstock and Muesalp.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Niederurnen?
The best time to hike in Niederurnen is generally from spring through autumn, when the weather is milder and the trails are clear of snow. During these seasons, you can fully enjoy the lush landscapes and panoramic views. Some higher alpine routes may still have snow into early summer.
Are there any specific peaks or summits I can hike to for expansive views?
Absolutely. The region is known for its prominent peaks offering incredible vistas. You can hike to Gross Aubrig Summit for expansive views over Lake Zurich and Lake Wägital, or ascend Mt. Hirzli for 360-degree views of the Glarus Alps and the Zurich flatlands.
How long do hikes around Niederurnen typically take?
Hiking durations vary significantly based on the trail's length and difficulty. Easier routes might take a couple of hours, while more challenging hikes, such as the View of Lake Walen (Walensee) – View from Hirzli loop from Niederurnen, can take around 6 hours 50 minutes to complete. The Hirzli Loop Trail typically takes about 4 hours 30 minutes.
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