Claridenhütte

The Claridenhütte is a mountain hut owned and operated by the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), located in the Glarus Alps of Switzerland. Situated at 2,457 metres above sea level on the Altenorenstock plateau, south of Linthal, it serves as a base for hikers, climbers, and ski tourers exploring the surrounding peaks and glaciers. The hut is a key infrastructure for alpine tourism in the region, offering meals, dormitory-style accommodation, and information on routes. It is typically staffed from March to early May for the ski season and from late June to early October for the summer season. The Claridenhütte is part of the SAC's network of over 150 huts across the Swiss Alps, which are maintained for the benefit of members and the public. The hut's history dates back to 1897, when the Bachtel section of the SAC built a small unstaffed shelter with 20 beds. Due to increasing popularity, it was expanded and rebuilt several times, most notably in 1941 when a new stone building was constructed. This building was comprehensively renovated and expanded in the 1990s and again in 2013, resulting in the current capacity of 72 beds in various room configurations. The hut is accessible via several hiking trails, including from Linthal (about 5 hours), from Urnerboden via the Fisetenpass (about 3 hours), and from Tierfehd (about 4 hours). In winter, the approach from Urnerboden over the Gemsfairenjoch is a popular ski tour. The Claridenhütte is known for its hospitality, including its hut dog Grigio, and offers a range of services such as guided tours, climbing, and educational courses. It is a member of the SAC's hut system and is marketed as a destination for relaxation and outdoor adventure.

The history of the Claridenhütte begins in the late 19th century with the Bachtel section of the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), based in the Zürcher Oberland. The Bachtel section frequently toured the Glarus region and initially contributed financially to the Glärnischhütte of the Tödi section. In 1893, the idea of building their own hut gained momentum, and from 1894 they stopped paying contributions to the Glärnischhütte and instead established a hut fund. After evaluating various locations, they chose the Altenoren site on the Altenorenstock plateau. In the summer of 1896, materials were transported to the site at 2,500 metres, with over 200 porter loads carried in poor September weather. In the summer of 1897, a small hut with 20 sleeping places was built, and it was inaugurated on 2 October 1897 in the presence of about 60 people. The Tödi section supported the construction with material deliveries. The first hut quickly became too small due to its popularity, so in 1903 a wooden shed with emergency accommodation was added. In 1906, a new two-storey hut with 60 sleeping places and a hut warden's room was opened. In 1912, a stable was added for the mule Hans, which transported loads to the hut. After World War I, the hut became popular among ski tourers and again became too small, leading to a decision in 1939 to build a new hut. In 1941, a new stone hut was constructed. This building was completely renovated and expanded in the 1990s and again in 2013. It now offers 72 sleeping places in various room configurations: two- and three-bed rooms, two six-bed rooms, and three twelve-bed rooms. The hut is open from 1 March to early May for skiers and snowshoe walkers, and the summer season runs from late June to early October. The Claridenhütte continues to be operated by the SAC and is a popular destination for alpine activities.

• 2013

  Another complete renovation and expansion; capacity becomes 72 beds.

• 1990

  The hut is completely renovated and expanded.

• 1941

  New stone hut is built.

• 1939

  Decision to build a new hut due to increasing popularity.

• 1912

  A stable for the mule Hans is added.

• 1906

  A new two-storey hut with 60 sleeping places and a hut warden's room opens.

• 1903

  A wooden shed with emergency accommodation is added.

• 1897

  First hut with 20 sleeping places is built and inaugurated on 2 October.

• 1896

  Materials are transported to the Altenoren site at 2,500 m.

• 1894

  Contributions to the Glärnischhütte cease; a hut fund is established.

• 1893

  The Bachtel section decides to build its own hut.

A traditional Swiss Alpine Club mountain hut providing affordable accommodation and a base for alpine adventures in the Glarus Alps.

• Overnight stays

  72 beds in two-, three-, six-, and twelve-bed rooms.

• Meals

  Half-board and à la carte meals; self-cooking not allowed during staffed periods.

• Guided tours

  Guided hiking, climbing, and ski touring tours.

• Courses

  Training courses in alpine skills.

1. 1Claridenhütte official websiteclaridenhuette.ch
2. 2Claridenhütte history pageclaridenhuette.ch
3. 3Wikidata entry for Claridenhüttewikidata.org
4. 4German Wikipedia article on Claridenhüttede.wikipedia.org