Etzlihütte SAC – Alpine Hut & Maderanertal Stage Base

The Etzlihütte SAC is a beautifully situated alpine hut above the Maderanertal, on the boundary between the valleys of Brunnital and Etzlital in the Canton of Uri. Known for its panoramic position and welcoming atmosphere, it functions primarily as a stage hut for alpine hiking and long-distance traverses, while also offering access to more demanding alpine terrain for experienced mountaineers.

• Hut Overview

  • Location: Maderanertal / Brunnital–Etzlital, Canton of Uri, Switzerland

  • Altitude: 2,052 m

  • Type: Serviced SAC alpine hut (with winter room)

  • Capacity: Approx. 55–60 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Guarded: usually mid-June to late September

    • Winter room: accessible outside the guarded season

  • Managed by: Swiss Alpine Club (SAC)

• Access & Approaches

  Access is demanding but remains within alpine hiking terrain.

  • Main approaches:

    • From Brunni (Brunnital)

    • From Maderanertal via alpine trails

  • Hiking time: ~4–5.5 hours (route-dependent)

  • Elevation gain: ~1,100–1,300 m

  • Terrain: Alpine paths, steep grassy slopes, rocky sections

  • Difficulty: T3–T4

  Good fitness and sure-footedness are required, especially in wet conditions.

• Facilities & Comfort

  The Etzlihütte offers solid, traditional SAC comfort.

  • Dormitories with mattresses and blankets

  • Half-board meals during the guarded season

  • Drinking water available

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The winter room is basic and intended for autonomous use.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is friendly and distinctly alpine.

  • Hearty Swiss mountain cuisine

  • Mix of hikers, trekkers, and alpinists

  • Evenings often social, with expansive sunset views

  Compared to higher glacier huts, the ambiance is relaxed yet purposeful.

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Etzlihütte is ideally positioned for:

  • Multi-day traverses through the Maderanertal

  • High-alpine hiking routes linking Uri valleys

  • Ascents of nearby peaks in the 3,000 m class (experience required)

  • Connections toward huts such as Claridenhütte and Kröntenhütte (route- and condition-dependent)

  Glacier travel may be required for higher objectives beyond the hut.

• When to Go

  • Best season: July to September

  • Conditions: Weather can change rapidly; early snow possible

  • Main risks: Thunderstorms, fog, steep terrain

• Who Is This Hut For

  • Experienced alpine hikers

  • Long-distance trekkers

  • Mountaineers seeking quieter base huts

  • Visitors wanting a panoramic yet authentic SAC experience

  • Not suitable for beginners without mountain experience

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Why This Hut Is Worth Visiting

At 2,052 m, the Etzlihütte SAC offers an excellent balance between accessibility and alpine depth. Its commanding views over the Maderanertal, strong integration into classic traverses, and welcoming hut culture make it one of Uri’s most versatile and rewarding stage huts—ideal for those who value movement, scenery, and continuity in the mountains.