To the idyllic Bättenalp: First – Faulhorn – Iseltwald

The altitude difference between the shore of Lake Brienz in Iseltwald and the summit of the Faulhorn is almost exactly 2000 meters. Whether going uphill or downhill: on foot, it is a tough undertaking. So this is a route that is not really suitable for a leisurely afternoon walk. But those who take on the hike will be richly rewarded. The route passes through the Bättenalp located at the foot of the Faulhorn and thus through a unique cultural landscape, which one usually only sees from afar on the classic Faulhorn route (from Schynige Platte to First).

From the mountain station of the First cable car, it goes on a well-developed hiking trail to Bachalpsee, then up a steep mountain path to the Faulhorn. Over the Faulegg and the Fangisalp, you descend to the wide karst landscape of the Harzisboden. Both areas are part of the Bättenalp. The panoramic view is magnificent: to the east above the Axalp rise Wildgärst and Schwarzhorn, to the north stretches the chain of the Brienzer Rothorn, and in the west, the distinctive pyramid of the Schwabhorn is visible. In a wide arc, you reach Plangäu. Beautiful views of Lake Brienz and the Rothorn range open up on the further descent to the Werzisboden. An old cattle trail paved with large pebbles leads finally in numerous hairpin bends down through the forest to Iseltwald.

Note(s)
Numerous spicy herbs and grasses grow on the pastures. In the mountain spring, a colorful and fragrant bloom unfolds. Even in late summer and autumn, when many plants put up a second flowering, countless spots of color appear on the meadows. The high aesthetic and ecological value of this versatile alpine landscape earned the mountain community Bättenalp the cultural landscape award of the Oberland East region in 2007. 

Every year, especially beautiful and valuable cultural landscapes are awarded in the Oberland East region with the «Cultural Landscape Award». Through support and image promotion by tourism, the award is intended to be a small incentive for farmers to continue sustainable management and thus contributes to the preservation of our beautiful nature.

Are you looking for more hikes?
Learn more about the various hiking opportunities in the Bernese Oberland.