Moor landscape with Engelhorn view

Already from Meiringen you can admire the impetuous Rychenbachfall, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930) let his novel hero Sherlock Holmes fall to his death along with his archenemy Professor Moriarty.

Above the waterfalls, the valley first forms a narrow incision. From the Postbus, there is seldom a view into the deep gorge of the Rychenbach, the rock walls are veiled by waterfalls, dark forests cover the valley slopes. Despite tourism, agriculture, and some inns, one discovers here a valley that has largely preserved its natural treasures. We find it still in a similar condition as Goethe, Haller, and other poets and artists who visited the valley more than 200 years ago.

At the Kaltenbrunnen stop, the hike begins in the direction of Wandelalp. After a short stretch on the road, you cross the Rychenbach and ascend via Alp Obre Stafel to the Chaltenbrunnen Moor. Shallow ponds, babbling springs, cotton grass areas, meadows full of orchids, and light mountain pine woods invite you to enjoy the magic of the moor landscape longer than planned. Signs indicate not to leave the paths.

Above the moor, a wide area spreads out at Gyresprung. This is the highest point of the hike and a beautiful place for a picnic break with an impressive view of the pointed tooth of Garzen.

Those who enjoy hiking for about six hours can now continue via Im Obersten Wandel down to Balm and Meiringen. We, however, hike back through the moor. In this direction, the Engelhörner stand out above the gentle moor landscape. After Obre Stafel, you choose the further descent via Seilialp to Zwirgi. Those who still want more can visit the Rychenbachfall here.