Via Alpina Étape 4 : Elm - Linthal

The place

#### Elm in the GeoPark: A Geological Spectacle Elm sits within the fascinating GeoPark, which clearly reveals the famous Glarus main thrust, a witness to the formation of the Alps. Surrounded by imposing rock ramparts, Lake Wichlensee stands out, resembling a natural amphitheatre. Beyond the steep Richetlipass, the tranquil Durnachtal valley stretches out. #### Crossing through a Natural Setting The Elm landscape is framed by high mountains. Passing the village church, winner of the Wakker Prize, the hiking trail invites us to cross the Gandwald forest protection zone, home to a rare species, the so-called 'master of Turin' maple forest. This botanical diversity is found only in regions touched by the warm alpine winds of the Sernftal. The forest track gives way to a rocky trail, bordered by meadows and avalanche barriers. A short stretch through forest and you reach the Elm ski area, with a panoramic view of the Tschingelhörner, not forgetting the Martinsloch, a 16 m geological curiosity from which the sun illuminates Elm's church tower twice a year. #### First Climbs and Historical Discoveries After passing the Ämpächli mountain restaurant, the first tough climb is behind you. A gravel track soon gives way to a trail near the Steinibach stream. Horses may no longer tread the ground of the Hengstboden hamlet, land of the stallions, but the picturesque 19th-century wooden huts remain. After one last look back at the Foo pass, the path crosses the woods before opening onto the Panixer pass. A poignant historical site, marked by the disastrous passage of General Suvorov in 1799 during his retreat from the French army. The Obererbs ski hut appears shortly after, also accessible by bus, and can serve as a stop on the longest stage of the Via Alpina (about 9 hours of walking). #### Towards New Horizons Choosing to continue, the trail climbs steeply through the meadows, crossing the Gasichlebach stream. From the viewpoint before the Erbser Stock, take in one last panorama over the Sernftal valley, Mount Hausstock and the Panixer pass. Shortly after, the view opens onto the Wichlenmatt alpine pasture, resembling a natural amphitheatre, embraced by rocky bastions. The following section towards the Richetli pass is quite steep. At 2,260 m, the highest point of the hike is reached. The descent towards Unterstafel in the Durnachtal valley begins, with 800 m of elevation loss to overcome. Suddenly, marmots populate the landscape, whistling alarm calls. The path, alternating between wide gravel track and steep forest trail, then leads to Linthal, a charming village at the southern end of the Canton of Glarus.