Sunniggrathütte – Leitschachbach

This hike follows on from the first stage, after spending the night at the Sunniggrathütte.

(S) From the Sunniggrathütte, follow the red and white signposted path taken the previous day uphill towards the summit until you reach the junction.

(1) Turn left onto the Hohenweg, a pleasant and well-signposted (red and white) path, heading towards the Leutschachhütte.

(2) Ignore the Alpinweg which branches off to the right and carry on straight ahead along the red and white path, which descends and then continues along a ridge.

(3) Ignore the ascending path on the left and carry on straight ahead. The path climbs up to the Leutschachhütte (a very beautiful hut overlooking a small lake with turquoise waters. There is drinking water in the toilets).

(4) After taking in the view, take the downhill path at the end of the terrace, still signposted Red and White, to pass by the small lake, the Nidersee (the lake below). The path descends quite steeply at first, but the descent becomes much gentler further on. You’ll pass the junction with the path you took on the way up.

(5) Follow the path gently to the right until you come out onto a tarmac road

(6) Follow it to the left to quickly reach the Arnisee. Then turn right and keep straight ahead to reach the cable car for the return journey.

This hike follows on from the first stage, after spending the night at the Sunniggrathütte. Booking essential; small hut with 24 beds. No showers and no drinking water. You’ll need to buy bottled water, which is expensive.

Watch out for traffic jams (stau) during the summer months. Similarly, on the return journey, plan to arrive at the cable car station before 5 pm to avoid a long wait.

There is little shade along the entire route. Take plenty of water.

There are a few sections secured with fixed cables, which may be useful in wet weather

The Alpinweg (Blue and White) is a possible alternative route to the Leutschachhütte. However, it is reserved for experienced hikers. A ridge walk with climbing sections (III) secured by fixed ropes and cables. It is a very beautiful route but extremely vertiginous.