Gems in the Reichenbachtal: Chaltenbrunnen – Engelhornhütte – Rosenlaui

The Rosenlaui area is considered one of the most beautiful alpine landscapes in Switzerland. Instead of following the classic pass route, this route leads there on charming side paths.

From the starting point Chaltenbrunnen, you first walk a few dozen steps uphill on the pass road, then branch off towards Rüötsperri. The curious place name goes back to the fact that in earlier times, bulls in rut were kept there in a segregated enclosure. A gravel road leads gently downhill to Hohbalm. It is worth pausing here and looking back. The view into the Reichenbachtal is extraordinarily picturesque. Flower-rich meadows, mighty mountain maples, and numerous dry stone walls shape the landscape, while Wellhorn and Wetterhorn rise in the background with their almost vertical north faces. This unusually beautiful area was awarded the cultural landscape prize of the Oberland-Ost region in 2006.

A narrow, sometimes very steep path leads to the Alp Chly Rychenbächli at the foot of the Tennhorn. A slight descent leads further to Alp Gross Rychenbach, then steeply up again to the Engelhornhütte. In the last part of the ascent, the terrain is partially very steep. Some particularly exposed passages are secured with ropes.

When crossing the secluded Ochsenal, you come very close to the rugged rock pinnacles of the Engelhörner – one of the most charming sections of the entire hike. The descent into the Reichenbachtal follows rock paths and gravel roads, which can be very slippery due to loose material. Along the way, you repeatedly enjoy the view of the still impressive Rosenlaui Glacier despite ice loss. The destination of the hike is the Art Nouveau Rosenlaui Hotel, from where the PostBus takes you back to Meiringen.