Through the Gelten–Iffigen nature reserve

12.37 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Hiking Trail
  • 5:00 h
  • 12.37 km
  • 1,100 m
  • 900 m
  • 1,380 m
  • 2,383 m
  • 1,003 m
  • Start: Postbus stop Lauenensee / LegerlibrĂĽgg
  • Destination: Lenk/Iffigenalp
Enjoyable but quite strenuous crossing from the rear Lauenental via the Tungelpass into the Iffigtal. The landscape along the way is exceptionally diverse: wetlands, alpine pastures, flat moors, barren rock and scree landscapes, a quiet mountain lake, and sparse mountain forest are along the route. South of the Tungelpass, a rocky, exposed but secured path with safety cables. For less experienced mountain hikers, the descent via the Stigelberg to Pöschenried/Färiche is recommended.

From the Postbus stop Legerlibrügg by the well-known Lauenensee, follow the hiking trail downhill along the valley to Vorsass. The path now ascends more steeply and winds in a zigzag through the rock bands of Holzersflue up to Alp Chüetungel (via Burgbüel to Stigelschafberg, point 2300, 1h30; caution in the rock bands of the Stigle!). Over the steeply sloping slope of Holzersflue, it then mostly ascends pathlessly to the hut and then makes a large arc through the wide Alp Stieretungel. On an almost level path, passing a distinctive flat moor, you reach the Tungelpass (via Stigelberg to Pöschenried/Färiche 2h). A stone wall here marks the border between the administrative districts of Saanen and Obersimmental. The people from Lenk call the pass "Stigellegi." The 700 m high wall of the Niesehorn towers impressively. Head straight for this and enter the lowest band of the Stigle. The path is cut into the rocks and secured with wire cables. Caution is still advised! The path zigzags up to Stigelschafberg. The flowers in the scree and rocks along the path are beautiful. Through a rocky hollow, it goes to the highest point of the hike at 2381 m (to Wildhornhütte SAC 45 min). Now the Iffigsee, about 300 m lower, becomes visible, to which you descend over sheep, marmot, and cattle pastures. Shortly after the lake end, the path branches. The more pleasant variant leads past a pond over the scenic ridge down to Groppi and along an alpine road in the valley bottom to the hospitable Iffigenalp.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Path
Asphalt
Trail

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Lauenensee - Vorsass - ChĂĽetungel - Tungelpass - Stigle - Iffigsee - Lenk/Iffigenalp

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment: sturdy mountain 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 via Zweisimmen to Gstaad. Then by bus to Lauenensee (final stop LegerlibrĂĽgg)

Return: By bus from Iffigenalp to Lenk. Then by train

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 entirely or partially on marked trails of the mountain hiking trail category.

Map

Swisstopo hiking map 1:50,000 263T Wildstrubel

Nearby

Contact

Through the Gelten–Iffigen nature reserve
3782 Lauenen