Panoramic hike over the Güggisgrat

11.48 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: easy
Great panorama
Hiking Trail
  • 3:50 h
  • 11.48 km
  • 360 m
  • 1,200 m
  • 1,067 m
  • 2,063 m
  • 996 m
  • Start: Niederhorn
  • Destination: Habkern
One of the most impressive ridge hikes in the Bernese Oberland: The varied ridge hike, the magnificent view of the highland mountain giants, the thrilling deep view into the Justistal, and the fascinating insight into the rocky and karst landscape of the Sieben Hengste and Seefeld are incomparable. The partially somewhat exposed trail between Burgfeldstand and Gemmenalphorn is secured with wire ropes in places; nevertheless, surefootedness and a head for heights are essential. Entirely a natural path.

The Niederhorn as the first prominent point of the elongated Güggisgrat has unlimited panoramic views to three sides despite its comparatively low elevation: The Thunersee stretches out deep below, surrounded by a number of villages and impressive forests. Above the jagged pre-Alpine peaks of the Stockhorn and Niesen chains, the Schwalmere and Faulhorn groups, rise the ice giants of the Alps from Wildhorn to Tödi. The view into the Justistal about 800 m below and over the Thunersee into the Frutigland is also overwhelming.
The path first descends over soft alpine meadows to point 1915. Towards Burgfeldstand, the highest peak of the Güggisgrat, the path remains along the ridge edge. Caution is advised on the occasionally quite exposed section to the Gemmenalphorn. Despite rope securing, cliffs dropping off left and right are not to everyone’s liking. The experienced eye spots resting and grazing chamois, and even ibex sometimes rest right in the path. The Gemmenalphorn also invites to a contemplative rest with its extensive panoramic view.
The descent is safe with due caution. In the hollow in front of the huts of Seefeld/Oberberg the paths fork. First heading east, then south, you cross the rear part of the Gemmenalp on indistinct paths gently descending. Limestone humps, fissures, and alpine rose fields determine the landscape. At the Bäreney hut, you turn sharply east. On the northern flank of the Guggihürli, it goes along a level path to the viewpoint Ufem Stand, where you enjoy the view over the Lombach valley to the nearby Harder. The path then descends very steeply over the ridge to Bodmi, from where you reach the Habkern post bus in a few minutes.

Berner Wanderwege
Berner Wanderwege

Good to know

Pavements

Path
Trail
Street

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Niederhorn - Gemmenalphorn - Seefeld/Oberberg - Bäreney - Habkern

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

To Beatenbucht base station You can park your car easily and safely in the car park next to the Beatenbucht base station for CHF 7.00 per day.

 

To Beatenberg Station Parking spaces can be found at Beatenberg Station for CHF 7.00 per day or in Lood car park for CHF 5.00 per day (12 hours respectively).

If the car park at Beatenberg Station is full, Niederhornbahn AG operates a free shuttle service between Lood car park and the base station for the Niederhorn Mountain Railway.

Getting there: By train to Interlaken. By post bus to Beatenberg/Niederhornbahn. Then continue to the mountain station.

Return: From Habkern by post bus to Interlaken West

Additional information

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

Literature

Hiking suggestion from the hiking book Thunersee - Frutigland, hiking book series by BWW, order at: http://shop.bernerwanderwege.ch

License (master data)

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Safety guidelines

This route runs entirely or partly on mountain hiking trails.

Map

Swisstopo hiking map 1:50,000 254T Interlaken

Nearby

Address

Panoramic hike over the Güggisgrat
Beatenberg