Park landscape between rocks: Bramisegg – Botchen – Schweibenalp – Bramisegg

The Wildbach, which originates on the northern flank of the Faulhorn, has even more to offer than the well-known sights. West of the Axalp, it flows through secluded landscapes that are very diverse in character. This magnificent blend of wilderness and cultural landscape can be impressively experienced on a circular hike.

The starting point is Bramisegg, located halfway between Brienz and the Axalp. A forest road leads with a moderate ascent into the Giessbach valley. It initially runs above a narrow gorge and then opens into an idyllic high valley. Here the Giessbach flows as a quiet mountain stream through a wide meadow level. On the other side of the stream, a somewhat rough path leads up to Botchenhals. From there, you descend slightly to Schartenboden, then immediately branch off towards the slope and pass by the Staatshütte into the Bauwald. This is crossed on a well-developed, winding forest road. A narrow, steep, partially exposed path leads back into the Giessbach valley (as an alternative, the forest road can be used, which leads to the rear valley floor). Via Uti and Schweibenalp, you return to the starting point Bramisegg.

Note(s) The Alp Botchen is a small, quiet paradise. In 2014 it was awarded the cultural landscape prize of the Oberland-East region. Mighty sycamore maples stand loosely scattered on the alpine meadows, with the Giessbach babbling between them. The area feels like a park – yet lies in the midst of pristine mountain landscape.

Every year, in the Oberland East region, particularly beautiful and valuable cultural landscapes are awarded with the «Cultural Landscape Prize». With support and image cultivation by tourism, the award is intended to be a small incentive for farmers to continue sustainable management and thus contributes to the preservation of our beautiful nature.

Want to discover more hikes? Learn more about the various hiking opportunities in the Bernese Oberland.