Walk through the Hohtürli Pass
From Kiental to Lake Oeschinen
Following the adventurous postbus ride on Europe’s steepest route from Reichenbach to Griesalp, the mountain trail leads to the highest point of the pass and the Blüemlisalp Hut at 2,778 m above sea level. From there, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the glaciers on the northern flank of Blüemlisalp. On the other side of the Hohtürli Pass, the trail leads back down to the deep blue Lake Oeschinen.
Travel comfortably by train to Reichenbach. The bus no. 220 will take you to Griesalp, where the hike can start.
Hiking trail
Experience a challenging and varied hike in the Bernese Alps. The tour starts at Griesalp (1,440 m) in the Kiental valley and takes you over the impressive Hohtürli Pass (2,778 m) to one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Switzerland: Lake Oeschinen (1,578 m).
This high mountain hike offers breathtaking views of the glacier world and the green Alpine foothills and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Swiss Alps”. It is ideal for experienced and fit hikers and can be completed in one day.
The starting point of your hike is Griesalp. The first section takes you via Bundalp to the Hohtürli Pass, where you can enjoy the impressive glacier world on the northern flank of Blüemlisalp. From there, the route continues to the picturesque Lake Oeschinen. The cable car to Kandersteg departs from there.
If you are planning to spend the night in the Blüemlisalp Hut, you should make a reservation in advance.
Key data
| Hiking route | Griesalp–Hohtürli–Kandersteg |
| Distance | 13 km |
| Hiking time | 7 hours |
| Elevation difference | Ascent: 1.540 m Descent: 1.270 m |
| Level of difficulty | T3 |
Blüemlisalp Hut
The Blüemlisalp Hut is situated at an altitude of 2,840 m above the Hohtürli in the Bernese Alps. From here, you can enjoy an impressive view over Lake Thun as far as the Aare Valley as well as famous peaks such as the Wetterhorn, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau to the east and Les Diablerets to the west. The unforgettable sunsets that reward your ascent are particularly famous. The location of the hut in the Jungfrau–Aletsch UNESCO World Heritage Site makes your visit a unique experience in the midst of this spectacular mountain landscape.
You will be spoiled with delicious home-made food as well as hot and cold drinks. There is also a selection of exquisite wines, mainly from the Valais.
The hut is open from mid-June to mid or late October. To stay overnight in the Blüemlisalp Hut, a reservation is required in advance. This can be done via the link below:
Opening times
Operating times, Kiental–Griesalp postbus
18 May to 20 October 2024
Daily according to timetable
Operating times, Kandersteg–Oeschinensee gondola cableway
9 May to 14 June 2024 from 08.30 to 18.00 hours
15 June to 15 September 2024 from 08.30 to 18.00 hours
16 September to 27 October 2024 from 08.30 to 17.00 hours
Subject to change without prior notice
Rates
Gondola cableway fares Lake Oeschinen
- CHF 24.00 Adults, one-way
- CHF 32.00 Adults, return
- CHF 12.00 Children (6–15.99 years ) / Half-Fare / GA, one-way
- CHF 16.00 Children (6–15.99 years ) Junior card valid
Prices in CHF incl. VAT / Prices and products subject to alteration
How to get there
