Steep rock faces above Axalp

9.50 km long
Round trip
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Hiking Trail
  • 4:10 h
  • 9.50 km
  • 860 m
  • 860 m
  • 1,521 m
  • 2,241 m
  • 720 m
  • Start: Axalp
  • Destination: Axalp

The Axalphorn – with its steep rock faces dropping sharply to the north – appears unreachable. The circular hike over the Axalphorn offers a breathtaking view of Lake Brienz and the picturesque Hinterburgseeli. The surroundings are reflected in the crystal-clear water of the small lake, a true gem. The return route leads along the Schnitzlerweg, with its numerous beautiful wooden figures.

 

From Axalp follow the signage to Chüemad alternating between alpine road and hiking trail. Here turn left and ascend via Oberboden to the flat summit ridge of Tschingel. Here we are already in the area of the Axalp military firing range. In autumn, the air force conducts shooting exercises here and in October the two-day public air force shooting regularly attracts a large audience. During the shooting exercises, the hiking trails are closed and the access is guarded by the army. Past the small mountain station of the army railway, you reach the ridge with the distinctive tower. Shortly afterwards the official hiking trail branches off to the right towards Sattel. To climb the summit of Axalphorn, however, stay left and follow the path along the ridge and below the west summit up to the main summit. The last ascent is exposed and requires some scrambling and full concentration.

From the summit go back to the junction just before the military buildings. Descend into the slope of Scheitegg to the Sattel trail junction. The cable-secured descent to the north over karst rock requires concentration again due to the partly sharp and slippery rocks. At the Urserli junction turn left, then descend along a scenic high trail above the Hinterburgseeli to the houses at Chruttmettli. Here you deserve a break in the beautifully located Restaurant Hilten. From here to the endpoint Axalp is not far. First a stretch downhill over beautiful meadows and into the forest. Here you meet the Schnitzlerweg, which leads from Axalp to Hinterburgseeli. We follow it in the opposite direction back to Axalp.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Trail
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Axalp – Chüemad – Axalphorn – Sattel – Urserli – Chruttmettli - Axalp

Equipment

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

Directions & Parking facilities

Arrival: by bus from Brienz station to Axalp, stop Sportbahnen

Return: by bus from Axalp, stop Sportbahnen to Brienz station

Additional information

Bernese Hiking Trails Association, Bern, Tel.: 031 340 01 01, Email: info@beww.ch, Homepage: www.bernerwanderwege.ch

Literature

Hiking book Bernese Oberland of the Bernese Hiking Trails

License (master data)

Safety guidelines

This route runs entirely or partly on mountain hiking trails.

Map

Swisstopo hiking map: 254T Interlaken

Nearby

Address

Steep rock faces above Axalp
Brienz (BE)