From Linthal (2,126 ft / 648 m) to the Klausen Pass (6,391 ft / 1,948 m) it’s 13.7 miles (22.1 km) at an average of 5.8% with 4,232 ft (1,290 m) of climbing. CyclingCols and Climbfinder agree; quäldich gives 13.7 miles (22 km) and 4,219 ft (1,286 m), and salite.ch 14.3 miles (23 km) and 4,265 ft (1,300 m).
What the climb is like
The 5.8% average is misleading, because the climb has a big flat section in the middle:
- Linthal to the Urnerboden. The first step climbs the wooded slope in hairpins (Climbfinder counts 24 on the whole climb), at grades of 7-9%. This is the hardest part.
- The Urnerboden. A long, almost flat glacial valley with farms and pastures: a few kilometers to recover. Although it’s on the Glarus side, it belongs to the canton of Uri.
- Urnerboden to the pass. The second step climbs in bends again up to the pass, above the tree line, with rock walls all around.
The steepest grade is about 10% according to CyclingCols (Climbfinder gives 8.6% over 330 ft / 100 m).
History
The pass links the cantons of Uri and Glarus. A hospice for travelers was built on the Urnerboden as early as 1590. The road first reached from Altdorf to Unterschächen in 1870, and between 1893 and 1899 it was completed over the pass to Linthal. To build it, the 1717 chapel at the top had to be demolished; the current one, dedicated to Bruder Klaus, dates from 1938. It’s a very popular route with cyclists and motorcyclists, and it’s part of the Alpine Pass Route hiking trail.
When to go, water and traffic
It’s normally closed from October to May. In summer there are quite a few motorcycles, especially on weekends. There’s water and restaurants in Linthal and on the Urnerboden; at the top, a hotel-restaurant.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%; with a 34x30 that’s about 77 rpm. A 34x28 is enough if you’re strong; with a 34x30 the hairpin sections are more comfortable. Compare options in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Don’t empty the tank on the first step: after the flat there’s still the other half.
- Use the Urnerboden to eat.
- If you return to Linthal on the same road, take care on the bends of the first section.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Klausen Pass from Linthal?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 32 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 49 min at 2.5 W/kg and 1 h 12 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Which side of the Klausen Pass is harder?
The Altdorf side, in Uri: about 14.9 miles (24 km) and 4,921 ft (1,500 m) of climbing. From Linthal it's 13.7 miles (22.1 km) and 4,232 ft (1,290 m), with the Urnerboden flat in the middle.
When is the Klausen Pass open?
It's normally closed from October to May because of snow. In season a PostBus crosses it several times a day.