Glacier Hike from Bächlital to Gauli

Sporty
3 days
Snow-covered mountains with rocky peaks, adjacent to a stone building and picnic tables.
Snow-covered mountain landscape with rocky peaks under a clear blue sky.
Snowy mountain path with rocky terrain and a safety chain along the side under a clear blue sky.
3 days, 2 remote valleys
Glacier crossing with views
Up to 6 hours of hiking per day

Season:

July September

Departure Times

11:30

Räterichsbodensee at Grimsel Pass

Key info

Experienced mountain hiker
No technical mountain skills required
At least 6 hours of hiking with a backpack
Surefootedness

Overview

Recommended for: Anyone looking for the mountain beyond the postcard.

Wild, untouched, and off the beaten path: Three days of glaciers and mountains that will captivate you.

This three-day glacier hike takes you from Bächlital over the upper Bächlilücke into the secluded Gauli. The route leads over scree, glaciers, and alpine meadows, with views of an ever-changing mountain landscape. Pure nature, real challenges, and the feeling of being far away from it all.

Itinerary

Meeting points
Day1
Day 1: Ascent to Bächlital Hut
From Räterichsbodensee, the path leads over the dam and then steeply uphill into the wide Bächlital. The valley lives up to its name: countless small streams wind through the floodplain. Those who wish can dip their feet in the cold water here. A final ascent leads to the Bächlital Hut at 2,328 m above sea level, where a well-deserved refreshment awaits us.
Distance
4.5 km
Ascent
+650 m
Descent
-50 m
Walking time
3 hrs
Day2
Day 2: Over the Glacier to Gauli
Early in the morning, we head over scree to the Bächli Glacier. Crampons on, rope up – and off we go across the bare ice. We reach the upper Bächlilücke via ladders. The view? Unparalleled. After a rest, we descend over the Hiendertellti Glacier, past Gaulisee, where the brave can plunge into the icy water. After a short ascent, we reach the Gauli Hut at 2,205 m above sea level, where the day ends leisurely.
Distance
10.5 km
Ascent
+1150 m
Descent
-1250 m
Walking time
5-6 hrs
Day3
Day 3: Descent into Urbachtal
After a final look at the surrounding peaks, the long descent begins. The path first leads over small ridges and past Tälligrat before descending steeply into Urbachtal. After crossing the river, we continue hiking to Mürvorsess. Those who wish can continue to Innertkirchen or take a taxi back. A tour full of natural forces, silence, and impressive landscapes comes to an end.
Distance
8 km
Ascent
+150 m
Descent
-1500 m
Walking time
5-6 hrs

Whats included

Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
Expenses of the mountain guide
Overnight stay(s) with half-board for the mountain guide
Hut reservation

Not included

Costs for cable cars and travel expenses of the guest
Overnight stay(s) in bunk room with half-board for the guest
Snacks
Technical equipment
Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guide's share)

Pack list

Weather info

General weather info

Weather can influence any tour, and a clear decision is often only possible on the day itself. We review conditions carefully and remain within our safety limits, and bad weather alone does not mean we have to stop.

Make sure we can reach you with current contact information in case your booking changes. Silence from us means your tour is still planned or the final call is not yet made. If we need to cancel, you can rebook, choose another activity, or get a full refund.

For detailed advice on how to prepare for (and enjoy!) bad weather days in Interlaken, check out our weather blog 

Meeting points

Meeting point

Räterichsbodensee at the Grimselpass road

Parking Räterichsboden, 3864 Guttannen
DirectionsMore info
Meeting points
Activity location

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