Oltscheren lies high above the valley of the young Aare. The alp can be reached on foot on a very attractive and varied hike.
From Axalp you can reach Chrutmettli via Farnigen, and from there take a path that is exposed in places and secured on the slopes with a chain to Urserli. The view is spectacular: the Hinterburgsee lake shimmers in the depths. The trail climbs steeply up to the saddle through some very rugged terrain. At some particularly steep and exposed points, wire ropes bolted to the rocks make it easier to climb through.
At the highest point of the tour, the view opens up into the valley of the Oltschibach. The higher areas of the valley may not be entered during the day from Monday to Friday, as the uppermost part at Grätli is used as an aerial firing range.
Passing the alpine huts in Oberfeld, you descend to Bielen, the centre of Alp Oltscheren. The extensive alp has a high diversity of species. The area is also very attractive from a scenic point of view. In view of these high qualities, Oltscherenalp was awarded the cultural landscape prize of the Oberland-Ost region in 2015.
Via Gugger and Zaun, the trail descends to Züünstäg on the valley floor of the Aare, from there via Balm to the centre of Meiringen.
Info
Directions
Safety guidelines
- Regularly check the location and compare it with the schedule. In this way, alternatives, shortcuts, demolition, etc. can be considered in good time.
- In the event of bad weather, turn back in good time or seek shelter. If thunderclouds are gathering, it is advisable to abort the tour as soon as possible.
- Do not leave the marked paths. Stay on the official hiking trails even if trails look like shortcuts. Some of these paths are not maintained and can end in a dead end.
- Lost? Stay together as a group and return to the last known point. Wait for better visibility or call for help.
- Plan enough time and energy reserves for the descent.
- Slow down and take breaks.
- Steep grass, scree and snow slopes are safer to tackle on the ascent than on the descent.
- For the descent, choose the easier option or take the train down to the valley.
- Avoid herds of cattle calmly and at a sufficient distance. Keep dogs on a leash.
- In encounters with guard dogs, the following applies: Remain calm so that the dog realises that you are not a danger to the herd. Keep a generous distance from the herd.
- Allow mountain bikers to pass without obstructing their ride unnecessarily.
Equipment
- The sun's rays are particularly intense in the mountains. Sun cream with a high protection factor, a sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection should therefore be part of your luggage.
- Even in summer and in good "starting weather", warm clothing and rain protection are part of the equipment. The onion principle with several layers of clothing is recommended.
- Day hiking backpack with rain cover
- Sturdy and comfortable shoes
- Clothing adapted to the weather and hard-wearing (onion principle)
- Charged mobile phone
- Pocket pharmacy
- Beverages and food
- Pocket knife
Recommendation
Directions
From Basel and Geneva, the fastest route to the Jungfrau Region is via Bern. From Zurich, the route via Lucerne and the Brünig Pass is recommended. The pass is open all year round.
From the south, travel to the Jungfrau Region via the Grimsel or Susten Pass. Both passes are only open in summer. An alternative is the Simplon Pass with subsequent car transport through the Lötschberg tunnel.
Public transit
Thanks to its central location in Europe, Switzerland is served by international trains from over 12 countries. Within Switzerland, Intercity trains run from Basel and Lucerne directly to the Jungfrau Region. Travellers from Zurich change trains in Bern. The trains run every half hour.
From Interlaken and Lucerne we travel comfortably on the Zentralbahn panorama trains directly to Meiringen. From Brünig-Hasliberg we have several post bus connections at our disposal.
