This stunning and unique mountain formation is a real hidden gem! Located in the Muotathal, the Gross Achslenstock isn't far off other popular spots like Fronalpstock but it's unknown to most. The reason for this is quite easy: At some point the path stops existing, so it's not marked on any trail apps. A local told us that it is because no one wants to be responsible to take care of the trail in the region.

So the journey to get there is quite heavy and I wouldn't recommend it to everyone but only for experienced hikers that can handle situations where things don't feel quite safe & you are able to navigate a map and follow routes without existing trails. (There are paths where you can see where other people walked) You need good shoes and be trained, otherwise the amount of elevation will get to you. Here come the details:

Hike on Swisstopo:

https://swisstopo.app/i/5/ZNA34ZN2

📷 Highlights

• ✨ Unique mountain formation of Gross Achslenstock

• 🌼 Alpine meadows and wildflowers (summer)

• 🏔️ Panoramic views of the surrounding mountains & lake lucerne + lake zug.

• 🐄 Grazing cows & marmots

Overview

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Length: ~8 km (varies with chosen route) we drove with the car to Hellberg and left it there. Spot id marked as a point on Swisstopo. Otherwise you can start from down the Muotathal (indicated on the swisstopo hike) That's quite a bit of elevation more.

• Duration: 4-5 hours

• Elevation Gain: Approx. 1000-1500m

• Best Season: Late June – October (depending on snow conditions)

• Family-friendly: No

• Dog-friendly: No

🧭 Trail Description

• 🚗 Start by driving to Muotathal or drive up to Hellberg and leave the car there somewhere (saves you a few hundred meters of elevation.)

• 🚶‍♂️ Follow the trail signs to Achslen (trail is in bad condition) until you reach the the last farm. From here you can take two paths:

  1. If you keep following the hiking trail to the right and you'll walk around the Gross Achslenstock and most of the time the trail is visible even though it is not official anymore. you'll have to walk up through the valley accross sketchy & slippery stone fields until you get up to Achslenstock. (probably the better option and most people walk this route (also the route on swisstopo)

  1. At the last farm you take the trail that goes left and follow the road until it stops existing. You can already see the Achslenstock. Just keep walking towards that direction until you see a huge stonefield. (sketchy) Keep climbing the stones and keep an eye out for falling stones! It's not a marked trail and can be dangerous. Once you've crossed the field there is one last steep hill to master and you're there!.

• ⚠️ Trail features narrow paths/no paths with and steep drop-offs. Sure-footedness and no fear of heights required.

• 🔁 Loop back via the other trail or return the same way. (i recommend taking Variant 1 as it is easier to find the trail.)