Riesenwald in Elm is a themed hiking trail based on the story of Martin the Giant. The Giant Forest Adventure Trail (Riesenwald – Riesenerlebniswelt) starts and ends at Ämpächli in Elm, Glarus.
Every summer, Martin the Giant goes to his grandmother Martina in the mountains. He hears stories about the shepherd Martin.
A shepherd chased away a giant with a stick, according to legend. That stick punched a huge hole in the rock face. The hole is now known as Martin’s Hole.
Overview: Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail
| Age Group | All ages |
| Category | Hikes |
| Expected Duration | 90 minutes walking time |
| Cost | - Cost of the gondola ride, trail itself is free - Adult - CHF 11.00 (one way), CHF 18.00 (both ways) - Child - CHF 6.00 (one way), CHF 9.00 (both ways) |
| Address | Ämpächli, Elm Sportbahnen Elm |
| Website | https://riesenwald.ch/ |
| Opening Hours | Same as summer operating hours of the Elm Sportbahnen - In 2022, June 25 to November 1 - Daily 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM - Please check the website Sportbahnenelm.ch for more details |
| Public Transport | Elm, Sportbahnen (Bus) |
Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail
Overview: Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail
The Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail is a circular trail for 2.5 kilometers. It begins and ends near the mountain restaurant called Ämpächli. Throughout the trail, you’ll find 17 play stations where everyone can have fun. It’s a really wide and easy trail, so you can bring strollers along.
Stations are neatly spaced, and one is typically within 10 minutes of walking. Those first stations are really cool, like a kid-adult competition, an inverted house, or a treehouse.
Riesenwald Giants’ School Area
Towards the middle of the trail, there’s a big area where the giants’ school is. Aside from the school, this area also has a lithophone, a balancing area, and a giant chalkboard. Families and friends love to stop here because it’s a good barbecue spot. The kids can keep busy while you grill.
It’s almost the end of the trail after passing the giants’ school. There’s just another barbecue spot and a flying fox. After the flying fox, the trail goes up a bit steeper, but it’s only a short climb.
Before you finish the trail, you will see a hanging mat where kids and adults can pass. Despite the fact that this hanging mat is for kids, there’s plenty of space for adults. My kids love going inside this hanging mat.
Finishing the Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail
This is almost the end of the trail. Before you leave, you can sign the guest book and measure your kid. If you do this trail often, you can see how big your kid gets.
In the last station, there is a small water feature that is fun for lots of kids. We usually skip it because our kids are usually already hungry by then. However, it’s pretty fun too.
When you’re done, you can eat at Restaurant Ämpächli. There is a huge playground with trampolines outside this restaurant.
Restaurant Ämpächli is also next to a Gold Mine where you can find nuggets of gold. There’s no charge for this activity. Just ask inside the restaurant for a sieve and a bowl. The kids can pick from a bunch of sweets if they collect enough gold nuggets.
Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail Stations
| 1. Welcome to the Giant Forest Trail | 6. Giant Head | 10. Giant Chalkboard | 14. Giant Speed (Flying Fox) |
| 2. Big-Small Competition | 7. Giants’ School | 11. High Tag (Balance beams) | 15. Giant Hanging Mat |
| 3. Sardona House | 8. Giant Grill | 12. Small Giants’ School | 16. Giant Guest Book |
| 4. Treehouse | 9. Giant Lithophone | 13. Grandmother Martina’s Kitchen | 17. Giant Water Fun |
| 5. Herb Bed Ruins |
How To Get To Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail
To get here, you can either go by bus from Schwanden GL to Elm, Sportbahnen (Bus).
If you come by car, you can simply find a parking spot in front of the Elm Sportbahnen Valley Station. There are normally ample parking spots available throughout the day.
After paying for your tickets, you can take the gondola from Elm to Ämpächli. Starting at the mountain station, walk past the Ämpächli restaurant. Riesenwald will be marked with signs.
Review: Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail
Physically, this themed trail is very easy. I’d recommend it for pre-schoolers and primary schoolers. This trail is short and stroller-friendly, so kids and babies can come along.
Considering the trail starts and ends in Ämpächli, and the cable car ride is pretty easy, the Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail is probably a good first hike with toddlers and young kids.
Near the valley station, there will be parking lots. For those coming by public transport, you will have to check the schedule when the bus leaves Schwanden GL.
Aside from that, the views are amazing, especially from Ämpächli. By the way, you can also buy an accompanying book at Sportbahnen Elm, the guest information Elm, and Baeschlin Buchverlag if you love the theme trail.
In all, we had a great time at the Riesenwald Giant Forest Adventure Trail.
Your Swiss Family Adventure Awaits!
Best Family Hotels
Discover an array of family-friendly hotels across Switzerland. Our selection caters specifically to families, offering a blend of comfort and fun. Find hotels with playgrounds, both indoors and outdoors, along with inviting pools where everyone can unwind. Begin planning your family’s Swiss escape today and find the perfect spot for a memorable vacation.