Klausenpass

Salutations, curve-hunters and lean-angle aesthetes! If you're cruising through Central Switzerland and skip the Klausen experience, you've lost control of your GPS. The Klausen Pass isn't just a simple crossing; it's an epic drama of asphalt, Urner granite, and a history as quirky as the hairpin bends on the Glarus side. Grab your gloves, we're setting course for 1,948 meters – between Altdorf and Linthal! 1. The Geography: Valley of Giants The Klausen Pass connects the Schächental (Uri) with the Linthal (Glarus). The Highlight: The Urnerboden. If you ride from the pass summit towards Glarus, you'll land on Switzerland's largest alpine pasture. It's a vast, flat high plateau, encircled by vertical rock faces. It feels like you've just unlocked a secret level in a video game. Miles of almost straight road before the switchbacks plunge you back down. 2. The History: A Wake-Up Call for Victory The border on the Klausen Pass wasn't negotiated at a green table, but decided by a cockfight (well, almost). • The Legend: In the 14th century, Uri and Glarus argued over the territory. They agreed: one runner from each would start at the first cockcrow in the valley. Where they met, that would be the border. • The Trick: The people of Uri starved their rooster so it would crow earlier. The people of Glarus overfed theirs to death, so it overslept. The result? The Uri runner almost made it down into the Glarus hinterland. That's why the Urnerboden belongs to Uri today, even though it's geographically on the Glarus side. Biker Lesson: Those who get up earlier (or starve their rooster) get the better curves! 3. Economy: From Cheese Porters to Asphalt Tourism In earlier times, the Klausen was a vital trade route. • Cattle & Gold: For centuries, cattle and the famous alpine cheese were driven south across here. The pass was the economic lifeline for the region's farmers. • The Building Boom (1893–1899): The current road was carved out of the rock at the end of the 19th century. Why? They wanted to boost tourism and create a strategic connection. Today, we are the economic force: the eateries on the pass summit and in the Urnerboden thrive on our thirst for curves and non-alcoholic wheat beer. 4. Motorsport Myth: The Klausen Race For us bikers, the Klausen is sacred because history was written here. In the 1920s and 30s, the Klausen Race took place here – the toughest mountain race in the world. • Back then, legends blasted up gravel roads on their machines, kicking up dust. • When you're carving up the bends today, imagine having loose stones under your tires instead of perfect asphalt – it'll give you goosebumps and make you tip your hat to the heroes of yesteryear. Why the Klausen belongs in your logbook: Feature Character The West Side (Uri) Romantic, rocky, narrower. Leads through the wild Schächental. The East Side (Glarus) Spectacular! The contrast between the flat Urnerboden and the steep zigzag hairpins is unique. The Surface Mostly good, but beware of occasional cobblestone sections (old-school vibe!). My Biker Tip: Stop at the Urnerboden. There are small cheese dairies there that sell their alpine cheese directly from the farm. It fits perfectly in your backpack and tastes like freedom. But beware: the Klausen is often closed until June due to winter closure. But when it's open, it's – especially during the week – pure bliss.