---
type: "Article"
title: "Winter Wonderland in Braunwald, Switzerland"
description: "In tiny little Switzerland it takes just about an hour or so to get from Zurich to spectacular mountain resorts. One of the lesser known Swiss alpine jewels is Braunwald, nicely nestled on a sunny and traffic-free natural terrace in central Glarnerland."
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/switzerland/braunwald-swiss-alpine-wonderland"
author: "Walter Schaerer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 8
tags: ["Alps", "Hiking", "Landscape", "Nature", "Relax", "Winter", "Switzerland"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/switzerland"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/alps"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/zuerich"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/hiking"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/landscape"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/nature-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/wellness-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/winter-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/experience-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/resort"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/organizations/swiss-international-air-lines"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2026-07-04T13:40:24+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2014-01-03T14:08:56+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: braunwald-swiss-alpine-wonderland.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Walter Schaerer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:40:24+00:00
---

# Winter Wonderland in Braunwald, Switzerland

> Braunwald is a car-free, traffic-free alpine resort on a sunny mountain terrace in the Glarnerland region of central Switzerland, reachable in about an hour from Zurich and offering a peaceful winter escape with panoramic mountain views.

## Destination
Braunwald, Glarnerland, central Switzerland — situated on a natural mountain terrace above Linthal.

## Getting there
Take the train from Zurich or Basel, changing to the regional train at Ziegelbrücke to reach Linthal-Braunwaldbahn station. From Linthal, a steep funicular railway (about 7 minutes) climbs up to Braunwald. The resort is car-free; once there, transport options include horse-drawn sleighs and electric taxis.

## When to go
Winter is the featured season, suited to snow sports and quiet mountain stays.

## Why visit
A lesser-known Swiss alpine resort prized for its car-free tranquillity, crackling-snow silence, panoramic views of the Eggstoecke peaks, and easy access from Zurich.

## What to see
- **Eggstoecke Peaks** — Iconic mountain backdrop visible from the resort, framed by traditional wooden chalets.
- **Braunwald Funicular Railway** — A steep, roughly 7-minute funicular ride from Linthal that is itself a highlight of the arrival experience.

## What to do
- **Skiing and Snowboarding** — Slopes served by a snow sport school and equipment rental for beginners and experienced riders alike.
- **Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing** — Peaceful trails through the snow-covered mountain terrace.
- **Sledging** — Sledges available for rent from the SWISS Rent A Ski shop in the resort.
- **Skitours** — Ski touring routes available in the surrounding mountain area.

## Good to know
The Märchenhotel (fairy-tale hotel) is the top family accommodation, rated Switzerland's second-best family hotel in 2011. Lodging options also include standard hotels, private holiday chalets, and SAC mountain huts.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Braunwald-Switzerland-43.jpg"
    caption: "Idyllic Mountain Resort of Braunwald"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Braunwald-Switzerland-6.jpg"
    caption: "Rent a ski shop in Braunwald"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Braunwald-Switzerland-42.jpg"
    caption: "Swiss flag infront of Eggstoecke"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Braunwald-Switzerland-34.jpg"
    caption: "Perfect idyll"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Braunwald-Switzerland-44.jpg"
    caption: "British style phone cabin"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Braunwald-Switzerland-27.jpg"
    caption: "Chalet in Braunwald"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Braunwald-Switzerland-5.jpg"
    caption: "Horse-drawn sleigh"
```