The Klausenpass, between the cantons of Uri and Glarus, is one of the great historic passes of central Switzerland, known for its pastoral Urnerboden plateau right in the middle of the climb and its legendary past as a motorsport hillclimb.
The profile from Linthal
From Linthal, expect about 22.1 km and 1,291 m of climbing, averaging 5.8%. What sets this climb apart is its two-part profile: a sustained first ascent up to the Urnerboden plateau, then several kilometres of false flat before a steeper final push to the summit, at 1,946 m.
Getting the ride right
The flat middle section can tempt riders to ease off, which makes the final push harder to handle if the pace wasn’t managed beforehand. A compact or triple chainset stays useful for the second half of the climb, which is more uneven than the first.
When to go
June to September, as the road is closed by snow the rest of the year. The Urnerboden plateau, an alpine pasture inhabited in summer, offers a welcome break to refill water bottles before tackling the final stretch to the summit.
Good to know
Linthal, a village in the canton of Glarus served by train, makes a convenient starting point with direct access to other hiking and cycling spots in the region, notably toward the Muttsee below the Glarus Alps.
