Grosser Mythen (Schafweg + Rot Grätli) at sunset

I've really come to enjoy my after work sunset hikes this spring. The time had come for another one: Grosser Mythen via Schafweg and Rot Grätli. It's hardly a secret route. There are tons of reports here on Hikr (excellent descriptions in German e.g. by Chrichen, Bergmuzz, أجنبي and HBT), some of which also at sunset. The route is described in the SAC Alpinwandern/Gipfelziele guidebook as well. Still, compared to the normal "Grüeziweg" route, the Schafweg and Rot Grätli takes you to a deserted and wild side of the Grosser Mythen. The route's log book (by the Nollenbrünneli water source; it contains a Hikr user pretty much on every page) is ten years old and still has plenty of empty pages. Those who like a more challenging and quiet alternative to the normal path, will really like this route, though the Grüetziweg still has to be taken until turn number 22.

From turn 22 onwards, the route is relatively easy to follow. After a short scramble up to the first blue marking, the Schafweg traverses in a slightly descending line around the west side of the Grosser Mythen. The path is often secured by cables. In one exposed spot, you really have to rely on that cable as well. On the grassy slope of the Mythenmatt, where we spot some chamois, the route starts to climb again. It finishes with a pleasant scramble up the ridge of Rot Grätli, which takes you directly to the summit.

We make it to the summit pretty much exactly on time for sunset. Unfortunately, the weather is cloudier than expected, so the sunset colours are not quite as splendid as on previous occasions, but the view is still very much worthwhile. All the more because we have the summit all to ourselves, which is quite exceptional at the Grosser Mythen, even at sunset. Only the warden of the hut puts his head out for a quick chat. We wish him good night and descend along the normal route in the dark.