Spiringen: Hiking, winter sports and history in the Schächental

Spiringen lies in the Schächental on the route to the Klausen Pass. When looking for a hotel, you could first consider whether you want to focus your trip on mountain hikes, winter sports or the region’s history. Ratzi is a ski and hiking area, the Schächental high-level trail crosses varied mountain scenery, and the Dörflihaus Museum is devoted to the culture of the valley. These different themes can help you choose your destination.

Location and landscape in the Schächental

Spiringen lies on the southern slope of the Gamperstock, which reaches 2,274 metres above sea level, and the Sirtenstock, at 2,300 metres. The village is on the right bank of the Schächen in the Schächental. The municipality also includes the hamlet of Witerschwanden, west of the village, as well as various groups of houses, alpine settlements and isolated farmsteads. The Urnerboden also belongs to the municipality of Spiringen as an exclave.

The Urnerboden is considered the largest cow pasture in Switzerland. It is associated with a long-established alpine summer tradition, including the cattle drive to the alp at the start of summer and the “Bodäfahrt” after the Oberstäfel season. The landscape there also has its own significance. The moorland and marshland, bodies of water and springs on the Urnerboden are to be preserved as habitats for rare plant and animal species and for plant and animal communities.

Hiking and winter sports on Ratzi

The Ratzi ski and hiking area can be reached from the village by cable car in just a few minutes. The Schächental high-level trail can be shortened by taking the Ratzi aerial cableway. If you plan to use the cableway, check its operating hours before your hike, as operating periods may change.

Hikes into the Schächental and up to the peaks start at the aerial cableway’s mountain station. Access in summer and operating hours may vary. One section of the high-level trail leads to Heidmanegg along narrow mountain paths, through the sparse forests near Äbnet and across open, flower-filled alpine pastures. The changing landscapes make this section a hiking option in its own right within the valley.

You can also explore the alpine scenery around Ratzi by bicycle; access and suitable conditions depend on the season. In winter, Ratzi offers a ski lift, six pistes, a downhill route, two winter hiking trails and a snowshoe route. This gives you several ways to enjoy winter sports and outdoor activities. As the seasonal setup may change, it is a good idea to check the latest operating information before your trip.

History and culture at the Dörflihaus Museum

The Dörflihaus Museum displays valuable documents and objects from the Schächental. Its themes range from farming and alpine agriculture to forests and timber, transport and tourism, local people and herders, traditional costumes and handicrafts. The collection covers the period from 1290 to the Second World War, offering several perspectives on the valley’s history.

Highlights of the exhibition include a deed of foundation from 1196 and a yearbook of commemorations dating from 1290/1515; both are permanent historical exhibits. Images, texts and graphics also show the passage of Russian General Suvorov over the Kinzig Pass in 1799. A local legend from Uri tells of a race connected with the historic border dispute between Uri and Glarus. Together, the museum, historical accounts and alpine farming offer different cultural themes to consider when planning your trip.

Bus connections and trip planning

Buses operated by Auto AG Uri usually run to Spiringen every hour. Services run from Flüelen via Spiringen to Unterschächen or Urigen. During the summer months, there are also around three services over the Klausen Pass to Linthal. As timetables and seasonal services may vary, we recommend checking the relevant timetable before your trip. This will help you coordinate your travel with plans for hiking, Ratzi or a visit to the Dörflihaus Museum.

Discover more destinations: Silenen, Andermatt, Bauen, Wassen, Göschenen, Altdorf, Flüelen, Unterschächen

For the main travel overview: Uri.