Over the Gurbsgrat

12.10 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Hiking Trail
  • 4:40 h
  • 12.10 km
  • 900 m
  • 1,100 m
  • 1,159 m
  • 2,124 m
  • 965 m
  • Start: Zwischenflüh/Nüegg
  • Destination: Schwenden
Scenically very diverse hike through extensive mountain forests, over wide alpine meadows and along high rock faces. Few excessively steep sections. In clear weather, a detour to the Wiriehorn is worthwhile. Caution on the steep slope when descending from the Gurbsgrat. 1 km of hard surface at the beginning and end of the hike each.

From the Nüegg mountain house, a paved alpine road leads to the Schwarzenberg alpine hut (mountain restaurant). The view of the towering Wiriehorn, Hohmad, Turnen, and Abendberg, as well as the Niesen chain, becomes increasingly impressive. At the hut, ascend the broad Egg, which rises towards the Wiriehorn. At the Toobefärrich signpost, the path turns into the eastern flank of the Wiriehorn, follows an almost level path to the Abendmatte alp, and ascends through a wide, swampy alpine meadow valley to the large Gurbs Mettenberg alpine hut. Past the walls of the Wiriehorn, Tierlaufhorn and Gurbsgrat are visible. Through a partly rubble-covered slope, continue westward to the ridge saddle at point 2031 (from Wirie–Wiriehorn 1h15; from Wirie–Zwischenflüh 2h10). Slightly ascending again, the mountain path leads through the eastern flank of the Tierlaufhorn to the Gurbsgrat. Here, a magnificent view opens up: In the depth lies the long hollow of the Gurbs alp; above it, you can see Männliflue, Albristhorn, Giferspitz, and the rock spires of the Spillgerte group. The snowfields of Wildhorn and Diablerets shine brightly. On a narrow path, traverse the sloping western flank of the Gurbsgrat (caution especially on wet ground!) and finally descend to the large alpine hut Oberste Gurbs at the edge of a swampy hollow. Across meadows and through forest, you pass the Unterste Gurbs alpine hut and reach the main road in the valley floor, from where the Tiermatti post bus stop (at the magnificently decorated guesthouse) and the old schoolhouse stop are close by.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Trail
Asphalt
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Nüegg - Schwarzenberg - Gurbsgrat - Oberste Gurbs - Schwenden

Equipment

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

Directions & Parking facilities

Outbound: By train to Oey – Diemtigen, by postbus to Riedli, valley station, by chairlift to Nüegg

Return: From the Tiermatti or old schoolhouse stop to Oey

Additional information

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

Literature

Hiking suggestion from the hiking book Simmental - Saanenland, hiking book series of the Bernese Hiking Trails

License (master data)

Safety guidelines

This route runs fully or partly on mountain hiking trails.

Map

Swisstopo hiking map 1:50,000 253T Gantrisch

Nearby

Address

Over the Gurbsgrat
3756 Diemtigen