Treasures in the Reichenbach Valley: Chaltenbrunnen - Engelhornhütte - Rosenlaui

The Rosenlaui area is considered one of the most beautiful alpine landscapes in Switzerland. Instead of taking the classic pass route, this tour takes you there on charming byways.

From the starting point at Chaltenbrunnen, you first walk a few dozen steps uphill on the pass road, then branch off in the direction of Rüötsperri. The curious name of the field goes back to the fact that in the past, bulls on heat were kept in a separate enclosure.

A gravel road leads gently uphill out of the valley to Hohbalm. It is worth pausing now and then on this section to look back. The view of the Reichenbach valley is extraordinarily picturesque. Flowery meadows, mighty sycamores and numerous dry stone walls characterise the landscape; in the background rise the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn with their almost vertical north faces. The unusually beautiful area was awarded the cultural landscape prize of the Oberland-Ost region in 2006.

A narrow, sometimes very steep path leads to Alp Chly Rychenbächli at the foot of the Tennhorn. An easy descent continues to Alp Gross Rychenbach, then another steep ascent to the Engelhornhütte. In the last part of the ascent, the terrain is very sloping in places. Some particularly exposed passages are secured with ropes.

Crossing the secluded Ochsental, you come very close to the craggy rock pinnacles of the Engelhörner - one of the most charming sections of the whole hike. The descent into the Reichenbach valley is on rocky paths and gravel paths, which are sometimes very slippery due to the loose material. On the way, you repeatedly enjoy the view of the Rosenlaui glacier, which is still impressive despite the loss of ice. The goal of the hike is the art nouveau hotel Rosenlaui, from where the post bus takes you back to Meiringen.