Green gem in the Grimsel area

7.76 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Great panorama
Hiking Trail
  • 3:00 h
  • 7.76 km
  • 339 m
  • 340 m
  • 1,597 m
  • 1,892 m
  • 295 m
  • Start: Grimsel Pass/Chüenzentennlen
  • Destination: Gelmersee (circular route)

The reservoir at the foot of the Gelmer peaks is a scenic gem in the Grimsel area. A circular route laid out exclusively on natural surfaces reveals the beauty of the region. To finish, a ride on the steepest funicular railway in Europe awaits.

From the post bus stop Chüenzentennlen above Handegg, the path initially ascends gently between berry bushes and over wet meadows, then somewhat steeper through rocky terrain. There are beautiful views down into the valley of the young Aare and the opposite side valleys. The ascent to Gelmersee does not involve major exertion.
The circular route around the reservoir is laid out as a mountain hiking trail. Along the southern shore, the route initially follows mostly level paths heading east, then a short ascent follows and subsequently a descent again. The lake lies in a valley whose side walls are quite steep. Therefore, the path often runs only as a narrow path over steep rock slabs along the water. In exposed spots, steel cables provide support.
There are opportunities to rest, for example, on the east shore where the Alplibach flows into a flat mountain meadow with scattered rock blocks, as well as near the location Undrists Diechter around the Diechterbach. There is also a junction there from which a mountain trail leads up to the Gelmer hut (ascent 1 h 35).
The Gelmersee circular route continues to the northern end of the dam. Here is located the mountain station of the Gelmerbahn. Recently, the originally power station-operated, extraordinarily steep funicular railway has also been opened to the public. Those to whom such a downhill ride feels too spectacular and breathtaking can cross the dam and return on foot to Chüenzentennlen.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Path
Trail

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Grimsel Pass/Chüenzentennlen - Gelmersee - Undrist Diechter - Gelmersee (circular route)

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment: sturdy mountain boots, medium-sized backpack with hip belt, sun protection, rainwear, hiking poles, first aid kit, picnic, sufficient fluids, mobile phone.

Directions & Parking facilities

Outbound and return journey: by private car or bus from Innertkirchen to the stop Handegg, Kunzentännlein

Additional information

Association of Bern Hiking Trails, Bern, Tel.: 031 340 01 01, E-Mail: info@beww.ch, Homepage: www.bernerwanderwege.ch

License (master data)

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

We recommend for overnight stay or a meal: Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe, www.hotel-grimselpass.ch, info@hotel-grimselpass.ch, T. 033 973 11 37

Safety guidelines

This route runs entirely or partly on mountain hiking trails. Freedom from dizziness is required!

Map

Swisstopo hiking map 1:50,000 255T Susten Pass

Nearby

Address

Green gem in the Grimsel area
Guttannen