We start the Hike & Fly season with a small but no less spectacular summit in the Wägital: das Bockmattli (1931 m).
Directions
By car from Zurich it takes 45 minutes to reach Innerthal, then follow the Seestrasse for a few minutes to the starting point (there are parking options in niches and bends not far from the starting point). By public transport it takes around 1.5 hours to reach Innerthal, then continue on foot along the Seestrasse (15 minutes).
Ascent
The starting point (920 m) is about 1.5 km south of Innerthal near the Oberhof Restaurant (47.093042, 8.931690) on Lake Wägital. From here, a well-marked hiking trail leads over Fällätschen and Alp Schwarzenegg (1325 m) to the Bockmattli Hut (1525 m), where you can see the dizzying north faces of the Bockmattli - popular with climbers. Then the path gets steep: a jagged serpentine leads up the Chälen to the Bockmattli Pass (1796 m), which connects the cantons of Schwyz and Glarus. On Schwyz soil, you soon reach the Bockmattlistock (1931 m), which is called, more charmingly, The Bockmattli.
Hiking time approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Apart from a few exposed spots near the summit (a few meters that can easily be avoided), the hike is easy.
Takeoff
There are starting points directly on and next to the summit in a south, southwest (ideal) and west (a little more challenging) direction. The gradient is ideal, the starting area is rather small and, as always in the mountains, not entirely easy. Difficulty level: medium.
Flight / Takeoff
You fly over the hiking trail back to the shore of Lake Wägital. You can land on the not entirely flat meadows near the Oberhof restaurant. Level of difficulty: medium. For those with less experience, a visit on site is recommended.
The flight towards Lake Zurich (Galgenen) is also recommended, but requires fairly good gliding performance and little headwind.
Weather / Airspace
As always, good weather and map studies are essential, as is a plan B in case of adverse starting conditions. The DABS is of course also part of this.
Conclussion
A small, fine summit with a magnificent panorama. Easy and very beautiful hike, take-off and landing moderately difficult. NOT recommended in summer (strong valley wind) and spring (old snow fields).
