- 1:45 h
- 4.64 km
- 80 m
- 80 m
- 1,848 m
- 1,892 m
- 44 m
- Start: Gelmer lake, mountain station
- Destination: Gelmer lake, mountain station
Those who hike from Handegg via Chürzentännelen to the lake (+ 4.3 km / 450 m ascent) experience a varied landscape and encounter well-preserved historic trail sections.
The more comfortable yet spectacular option is to take the steep and airy Gelmerbahn from Handegg directly to the lake. The original industrial railway is now a tourist magnet especially on weekends. A reservation for the train is essential on such days. The subsequent circular route is marked as a mountain hiking trail and leads without significant altitude differences through the rocky landscape around the lake. On the circular route, there are some sections that require surefootedness and a head for heights. Early summer also sees remaining snowfields and numerous meltwater channels. Otherwise, you can enjoy the impressive rocky landscape surrounding the reservoir. Many small streams shoot out of rock crevices or through the scree areas and feed the lake during the summer months.
Good to know
Pavements
Best to visit
Equipment
We recommend the following equipment: lightweight trekking shoes, light backpack, sun protection, rain jacket, pocket first aid kit, light picnic, sufficient liquid, mobile phone.
Directions & Parking facilities
By car via Interlaken to Innertkirchen. Grimselpass road to Handegg, parking at the valley station of the Gelmerbahn
Getting there: by train to Meiringen and then by bus via Innertkirchen to Handegg, Gelmerbahn. On foot to the valley station of the Gelmerbahn. Take the train to the lake. (If possible, reserve tickets online in advance)
Return journey: same route.
Additional information
Association Bernese Hiking Trails, Bern, Tel.: 031 340 01 01, e-mail: info@beww.ch, homepage: www.bernerwanderwege.ch
Literature
Hiking suggestion from the free brochure Hiking by the Water, from the Bernese Hiking Trails.
License (master data)
Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author
We recommend for an overnight stay or a break: Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe, www.hotel-grimselpass.ch, info@hotel-grimselpass.ch, T. 033 973 11 37
Safety guidelines
This route runs exclusively on marked paths of the mountain hiking trail category. Attention, on the back of the Gelmer lake there is an exposed section. Surefootedness and a head for heights are required here!
Map
Swisstopo hiking map 255T Sustenpass 1:50,000
Nearby
