Alpenkranz 36th stage: Arni - Riedboden - Sunniggrathütte

High above the sunny terrace of the Arnisee (1370 m), beneath the scenic Sunniggrat (2034 m), lies the private Sunniggrathütte, which is operated in summer.

The well-marked approach path first follows the densely wooded, picturesque Arnisee. At the western shore by a material cable car, the hut path begins. It is laid out quite steeply with loops and switchbacks through the shady Grüenwald. At 1776 m, a flatter section begins with the Riedboden, a fascinating protected landscape. Mountain pines, reed grass, and moor ponds line the path. In a hollow at 1939 m lies a small pond. Continuing among dense blueberry bushes towards the Grossgand with hidden small ponds, the path climbs another slope step. The destination of the hike is not far now, but the route still detours slightly west and leads alongside a larger pond up to the Sunniggrathütte (1979 m).

The detour to the Sunniggrat (2034 m) is worthwhile. The mountain shoulder stands so close above the Urner Reuss valley that you hardly get enough of the view. The green Felli valley stretches open up to its gap towards the Oberalppass and the Maderanertal with its glacier-rich high mountain world lies before us. The panoramic view is at its best in early autumn. Then the reedlands around are colorful, the embedded small lakes appear deep blue, and the Uri three-thousanders look like Himalaya giants in their first winter coat.

• Technical difficulty: T2, white-red-white