Demanding
About
Biwak am Grassen sits at 2,647m on the Grassen, a rocky ridge in the Uri Alps east of the Gotthard region. Reach it from Hospental in 4.5 hours via Unteralptal and the Grassen pass, or from Göscheneralp in 5 hours across alpine meadows and scree. The terrain is steep and exposed in places. You're on the main route between the Gotthard and Uri valleys, and views extend across the surrounding ridges and peaks.
This is a basic mountain bivouac. SAC runs it with 15 bed spaces in simple dormitory quarters. There's a small hut room, a cooking area where you prepare your own meals, and an outside toilet. You'll need to melt snow or carry water—there's no reliable source here. The hut is open year-round but conditions are serious in winter and spring; expect deep snow and avalanche risk. Summer (July–September) is the practical season, though you'll encounter snow patches into June.
Book directly with SAC Zentralstelle at least two weeks ahead, especially for weekends in July and August. The hut gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Bring a stove fuel, food, and warm sleeping gear—nights are cold even in summer. The bivouac attracts mountaineers planning glacier crossings and passes; many use it as a transit stop rather than a destination. Solo hikers and small groups should check current access conditions before heading up, as rockfall and weather can change the route quickly.
This is a basic mountain bivouac. SAC runs it with 15 bed spaces in simple dormitory quarters. There's a small hut room, a cooking area where you prepare your own meals, and an outside toilet. You'll need to melt snow or carry water—there's no reliable source here. The hut is open year-round but conditions are serious in winter and spring; expect deep snow and avalanche risk. Summer (July–September) is the practical season, though you'll encounter snow patches into June.
Book directly with SAC Zentralstelle at least two weeks ahead, especially for weekends in July and August. The hut gets busy on Friday and Saturday nights. Bring a stove fuel, food, and warm sleeping gear—nights are cold even in summer. The bivouac attracts mountaineers planning glacier crossings and passes; many use it as a transit stop rather than a destination. Solo hikers and small groups should check current access conditions before heading up, as rockfall and weather can change the route quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Book through the SAC (Swiss Alpine Club) at least 2–3 months ahead for July and August; shoulder seasons need less notice.
Open June to October; it's a basic bivouac with no staffing, so bring your own provisions.
From Hospental: 4.5 hours via Unteralptal and Grassen pass; from Göscheneralp: 5 hours across alpine meadows and scree—steep and exposed in places.
15 bed spaces in simple dormitories; no meals provided, so bring all food and fuel for cooking.
No—this is a basic bivouac for mountaineers and experienced hikers only; the terrain is steep and exposed, and you must be fully self-sufficient.
Location
46.7702, 8.4468
HutLists Score
1.2
Overall
Facilities
Access
Season
Based on facilities, access, and how reliably the hut is open.
Quick Facts
- Managing club
- SAC SAC - CAS
Contact & Booking
- Website
- http://www.sac-engelberg.ch/grassenbiwak
Activities
Free Packing Checklist
Get the printable Alpine Hut Packing Checklist, plus route guides and booking tips.