Surrounded by mighty mountains

12.83 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Hiking Trail
  • 4:40 h
  • 12.83 km
  • 730 m
  • 1,000 m
  • 1,133 m
  • 2,033 m
  • 900 m
  • Start: Griesalp
  • Destination: Alpenruhe
Challenging hike over well-maintained alp pastures in a beautiful mountain basin accompanied by wild waters. On the good mountain path, surefootedness, good shoes, and some endurance are required.

The ride by post bus through the tight curves on Europe's steepest post bus route is an experience.

The drivers' comments during the ride are enlightening. From the Griesalp terminus, take the path towards Hohtürli. Via lower Bundalp you reach the very beautiful upper Bundalp. The view of the Blümlisalp chain, Gspaltenhorn, and Sefinenfurgge is overwhelming. Information boards along the way describe the challenging alpine life as well as the alpine flora, fauna, and the protected area. At many alpine huts, you can quench your thirst, refresh yourself, or buy alpine cheese. Shortly after the upper Bundalp, leave the Hohtürli path heading towards Gamchi. The highest point of the route, Oberloch (1967 m), offers a view of the retreating Gamchi Glacier and the Gamchi basin, ideal for a long lunch break. Then follows a steep descent on a good path along a rock face to Alp Gamchi, located 300 m lower, with a new building. Continue along the gorge of the Gamchi stream back to Griesalp. Remarkable are the folds of the rocks on the left side of the gorge. The easy path down to Tschingel follows the water. Impressive are the roaring Pochtenfall and the more distant, high Dündenfall. Then you walk along Tschingelsee, a unique natural landscape. The lake was formed in 1972 during a thunderstorm by a debris avalanche that blocked the outflow of the Gornere water. The sediment of the wild mountain streams is filling it up. This continuously changes its appearance and flora. Satisfied by the many impressions, you board the post bus at Hotel Alpenruhe to Reichenbach. Those wishing to shorten the route can already board the post bus at Griesalp or Tschingel. Text: Walter Gerber

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Asphalt
Path
Trail

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Griesalp – upper Bundalp – Oberloch – Gamchi – Golderli – Tschingel - Alpenruhe

Equipment

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

Directions & Parking facilities

Parking spaces at Tschingelsee

Outbound trip: by post bus from Kiental to Griesalp

Return trip: from Alpenruhe by post bus to Kiental

Additional information

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

License (master data)

Safety guidelines

This route runs entirely or partially on mountain hiking trails.

Map

swisstopo hiking map 264T Jungfrau 1:50,000

Nearby

Contact

Surrounded by mighty mountains
Reichenbach im Kandertal