Would you like to slip into the role of "Heidi and Peter"? Then I have the perfect tip for you: a trip to the Glattalp in Muotathal, Schwyz.
In the summer of 2019, I really wanted to spend the night on a real alp and so looked up the list of SAC huts. The Swiss Alpine Club SAC is the leading association for mountain sports and have 153 huts on offer in the Swiss Alps.
Since our little one isn’t all too fond of hiking, I limited my search only to the huts that were in easy reach. After taking a more closer look on the Internet, the Glattalp hut immediately caught my attention. It should only be a 10-minute walk from the cable car station - perfect for us!
Of course the weather needed to be nice when we arrived, but at the same time, we knew the 51 beds would be in high demand, especially during the summer holidays. But we were lucky! When wonderful weather was announced for one particular weekend in August, I phoned the hut warden to ask if there was any possibility of staying there, despite the fully booked timetable I was looking at on the internet. Lo and behold, a group of four had canceled at short notice!
So we quickly packed our bags and sleeping bags and drove to Sahli in Muotathal, Schwyz. From there, the cable car runs every half hour to Glattalp. Waiting times can be expected though as the mountain railway can only transport a maximum of eight people at a time.
The gondola ride itself is an experience! When you reach the cliff that leads up to the alp, you immediately think you are in an enchanted world. A grand plateau reveals its splendor with its rugged boulders draped in lush green and with all kinds of wildflowers dotted over it.
As soon as we take the short walk from the gondola station to the Glattalphütte, we immediately notice the calm about the place and the fresh alpine air.
Only the tinkling of cowbells in the distance reaches our eardrums. We truly feel like Heidi and goat-herd Peter!
Arriving at the hut, we receive a warm welcome from the hut warden, Franziska Gwerder, and quickly stow away our luggage on our four beds in the eight-bed dormitory.
While we have a drink on the terrace of the hut and marvel at the breathtaking landscape, our boys jump around on the trampoline and make their first acquaintances with other children.
Later we make our way across the “Karst fields” to Glattalpsee.
Despite the fantastic weather, we hardly meet anyone. Cows and goats, however are in their plenty. It is said that there are about 600 cattle and 3000 goats on the alp!
After about half an hour we pass a side basin of the Glattalpsee and then finally the blue-green shimmering water appears a little further on. Actually, one would really like to jump in, but it's too cold for us.
Speaking of cold: did you know that the Glattalp is one of the coldest places in Switzerland? Although it is only 1,850 meters above sea level, the thermometer regularly drops down to below -40 degrees Celsius in winter. In February 1991 a temperature of -52.5 degrees Celsius was recorded here! So we're definitely glad we arrived in the middle of summer…
Right on time for dinner at 6.30 p.m., we are back in the hut ready to eat some excellent, wholesome food. “Älplermagronen" is on the menu; served with applesauce, salad, soup and dessert.
In between dishes, we enjoy the picturesque evening and the sunset.
After a few card games in the dining room, we go to bed early and sleep like logs until the smell of coffee wakes us up in the morning.
We don't miss breakfast before we head back home around 10 a.m. All the more richer from a wonderful alpine adventure.
Worth noting: the Glattalphütte underwent a thorough renovation and is now bigger and has a fresh new look. Since then, showers have also been added. The Glattalphütte is featured on Swiss Television. You can watch it here on the SRF Bi de Lüt - hut stories show.
Conclusion:
The Glattalp is still a largely untouched slice of paradise! Here you actually feel like Heidi and Peter. The Glattalphütte is very hospitable and a great starting point for many different hikes and walks. It is also suitable for families with (small) children.
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