Rophaien

Rophaien is a 2,078 m summit in the Swiss canton of Uri, rising above Flüelen and the Urnersee, the southern arm of Lake Lucerne. Part of the Schwyz Alps, its ridge marks the border between the municipalities of Flüelen and Sisikon. It ranks among the best-known mountain hikes in the area, rewarding walkers with a broad Alpine panorama and a bird's-eye view of the lake.

What will you see at the top?

A cross about 10.4 m tall stands on the summit. It was put up in 1965, is described as the largest in Uri, and is lit every year on 1 August, Swiss National Day. Far below lies the Urnersee, framed by the surrounding peaks of central Switzerland.

How do you get to Rophaien?

Several routes lead up, and most are marked mountain trails graded T3 on the SAC scale (demanding mountain hiking).

• From the north (Riemenstalden, Riedberg): take the Postbus from Sisikon to the Riedberg stop or to Riemenstalden-Käppeliberg. The trail passes Alplen, the Alplersee and the Stockalp pasture. The final stretch below the summit is steep and can be slippery. The loop takes roughly 5 to 6 hours with 900 to 1,100 m of climbing (sources differ). Riedberg has no parking, so public transport is the better choice, and the bus is best booked ahead.
• From the west (Flüelen): ride the cable car from Flüelen (Gruonbach) to Ober Axen, then climb through Alp Franzen and steeply along the ridge to the north-west crest. The SAC route description gives about 3 hours and 1,400 m of ascent from the top station.
• From the east (Eggberge): take the cable car from Flüelen to Eggberge (1,447 m), then follow the trail to the Fläschsee (about 1,800 m) and Schön Chulm (about 2,020 m). An alpine path continues past Äbneter Stöckli (2,088 m) and Roten Chöpf (1,999 m). This version includes several exposed T4 sections.

When should you go?

Late spring to autumn is the season, once the trails are free of snow. In winter the mountain draws ski tourers and splitboarders: from the car park it means about 900 m of climbing in 3 to 4 hours, with slopes up to 40°. Check current conditions before setting out, especially on the steep, damp sections.

Where can you stop along the way?

On the Riemenstalden side you will find refreshment stops at Stockalp and in Riemenstalden. On a hot day the Alplersee invites a swim on the way down.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Rophaien? It stands at 2,078 m above sea level in the Schwyz Alps, canton of Uri.

Is Rophaien a hard hike? The main routes are T3, so you need fitness, sure footing and proper boots. The eastern ridge adds short T4 stretches.

Where is the easiest place to start? The shortest climb begins at the top station of the Flüelen to Ober Axen cable car. A popular loop also starts in Riemenstalden or at the Riedberg stop.

What is the large cross on the summit? It is a 10.4 m cross from 1965, the tallest in Uri, illuminated each year on 1 August.