--- title: "Varied high-altitude and lake hike" url: "https://www.thunersee.ch/en/experiences/tour/varied-high-altitude-and-lake-hike" description: "From the mountain station Planplatten, where the view is still shaped by the spectacular Wetterhorn massif, it goes a short way northwards down on the ridge. At the trail junction P.2189 we follow the ridge; the path soon leads into the right-hand mountain flank. At nearly constant altitude we approach the Balmeregghorn, whose peak is climbed via a short ascent. Now straight ahead along the ridge, from where we enjoy the view to the Melchsee plain on the left side, while on the other side the view falls deep down into the Gäntel. After the nameless knoll at P.2141 m (with summit cross) we gently descend to the Tannensee, which we reach at the trail junction P.1982. In a few minutes we reach the small settlement of Tannalp, where a place to rest invites. At the chapel we branch off to the right and hike on the partly slightly exposed trail gently downhill to the hotel (with nice sun terrace) and the Engstlenalp bus stop. Be sure to also plan some time to walk in a few minutes at the end of the route to the Engstlensee. On its northern shore you can wonderfully settle down for a picnic and even enjoy a refreshing bath. Text: Bernd Jung" language: "en" type: "SportsActivityLocation" image: "https://img.oastatic.com/img2/97333267/max/variant.jpg" breadcrumb: "Root > www.thunersee.ch > Experiences > Tour" --- GPX Share Varied high-altitude and lake hike ================================== - 10.31 km long - Difficulty: medium - Condition: medium - Great panorama - Hiking Trail - 3:15 h - 10.31 km - 203 m - 680 m - 1,819 m - 2,241 m - 422 m - - Start: Planplatten - Destination: Engstlenalp **"The alp is not only one of the most scenic in Switzerland, but also in itself the true concept of a Swiss alp with flower-covered meadows, strong firs, venerable Swiss stone pines, pretty alpine plants, cascade-rich mountain streams, excellent spring water (4° C), superb milk, a trout-rich lake to the southeast nearby, whose temperature on warm days rises up to 15° C, where one can also take baths." Thus described in 1880 the author, historian and doctor Theodor Gsell-Fels the Engstlenalp.** From the mountain station Planplatten, where the view is still shaped by the spectacular Wetterhorn massif, it goes a short way northwards down on the ridge. At the trail junction P.2189 we follow the ridge; the path soon leads into the right-hand mountain flank. At nearly constant altitude we approach the Balmeregghorn, whose peak is climbed via a short ascent. Now straight ahead along the ridge, from where we enjoy the view to the Melchsee plain on the left side, while on the other side the view falls deep down into the Gäntel. After the nameless knoll at P.2141 m (with summit cross) we gently descend to the Tannensee, which we reach at the trail junction P.1982. In a few minutes we reach the small settlement of Tannalp, where a place to rest invites. At the chapel we branch off to the right and hike on the partly slightly exposed trail gently downhill to the hotel (with nice sun terrace) and the Engstlenalp bus stop. Be sure to also plan some time to walk in a few minutes at the end of the route to the Engstlensee. On its northern shore you can wonderfully settle down for a picnic and even enjoy a refreshing bath. Text: Bernd Jung Read more Berner Wanderwege Good to know ------------ Pavements Path (72%) Trail (22%) Gravel (6%) Best to visit suitable Depends on weather - Jan - Feb - Mar - Apr - May - Jun - Jul - Aug - Sep - Oct - Nov - Dec Directions Planplatten – Balmeregghorn – Tannensee - Engstlenalp Read more 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 fluid, mobile phone. Read more Directions & Parking facilities **Public transportation** **Arrival**: by gondola from Meiringen to Mägisalp, then by gondola to Planplatten **Return**: by bus from Engstlenalp to Innertkirchen/Grimseltor (please check the timetable in advance) Read more Additional information Berner Wanderwege, 031 340 01 01, , Read more License (master data) Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author Be sure to also plan some time to walk in a few minutes at the end of the route to the Engstlensee. On its northern shore you can wonderfully settle down for a picnic and even enjoy a refreshing bath. Read more Safety guidelines This route runs entirely or partly on marked paths of the category **mountain hiking trail**. Read more Map **swisstopo hiking map**: 255T Sustenpass, 1: 50 000 Read more Nearby ------ View on map - Tours 10.21 km - Hiking Trail 5.74 km - Hiking Trail 301.56 km - Hiking Trail **outdooractive** Contact 3862 Innertkirchen Download GPX file - - - -