In the valley of the wild waters to the Geltenhütte

In the Geltental, the rear part of the Lauenental, nature conservation began in 1957. At that time, the water of the Geltenbach was to be diverted into the Sanetsch reservoir. But the population of Lauenen successfully defended their stream and the turbulent waterfall called Geltenschuss. In the 1970s, the surrounding area was also put under protection. Today the Gelten-Iffigen nature reserve covers an area of about 43 square kilometers with waterfalls, mountain lakes, moorlands, and especially diverse flower meadows and forest communities.

The mountain hiking trail initially ascends gently along the Geltenbach. At the back of the valley, the mighty Geltenschuss can already be seen. The path then becomes quite steep at times until it crosses the stream on a small bridge above the Geltenschuss. It is not far to the Geltenhütte, which stands on a scenic spur. The view over the Lauenental and the sight of the beautiful stream courses around the hut are wonderful. Up here, yaks also spend the alpine season, which for these tough animals can last until October.

If you like, you can hike another twenty minutes towards Arpelistock to the Rottal, where numerous streams cross the green plain and huge waterfalls plunge over the rock faces. This path is marked white-blue-white but presents no difficulties up to the Rottal. The descent follows the same route, with a final detour to Lauenensee being a must. Nestled in a moorland, surrounded by cotton grass, reeds, and dark mountain forest, it is a magical sight. Lauenensee is one of the highest breeding grounds in the Alps for mallards, pochards, and coots. Additionally, it is an important stopover for migratory birds and therefore a significant hub in the European-African water network.

Text: Fredy Joss