Beginner Oeschinen Trek

The route links Rotstockhütte with Gspaltenhornhütte over the Sefinenfurgge Pass. The hike starts on gentle grassy slopes and ends in a rocky, high alpine world with wide views. Along the way you look into the Sefinen valley, across to the Gamchi Glacier and up to surrounding peaks like Hundshorn (2928 m), Vorderi Bütlasse (3063 m) and Bütlasse (3193 m). It feels like a compact mountain day with a clear sense of crossing into a new valley.

From the hut a clear mountain path climbs through grass and rubble into a high basin. Zigzags lead steeply towards Sefinenfurgge Pass, where you will encounter several sections with rock steps and stairs on your way up as well as on your way down. The main climb goes from roughly 2000 m to about 2600 m at the pass. After the saddle you descend on scree and a few more rock steps and stairs and traverse above the Gamchi Glacier towards the final ridge.

From that last rise the hut suddenly feels close, perched on a rocky shoulder above the valley. A short final path over blocks and slabs brings you to the door. Inside you find simple rooms and a busy dining area; outside, a broad terrace invites you to drop your pack, take off your boots and quietly trace the route back over the pass.

The route starts at the hut and first drops into a side valley before climbing back up to the next high perch. You move from rocky slopes into gentler ground and then into high alpine terrain again. Along the way you see the Gamchi Glacier, the Blüemlisalp Glacier and peaks like Schwarzhore (2600 m) and Bütlasse (3193 m). It feels like a full mountain day, travelling clearly from one cirque to another.

A clear path descends from the hut over rocky steps and loose ground, then eases onto gentler slopes in the valley. You follow streams and small moraines towards the Glacier Panorama viewpoint, mostly on comfortable trail. After crossing the valley floor the main climb starts, rising from around 2100 m to roughly 2840 m. Zigzags lead up a steep slope, where you meet several sections with rock steps and stairs, before the route swings onto a shoulder beneath the glacier.

From this shoulder an easy traverse brings you to the final ramp below the hut. The path climbs one last time over broken rock to reach the buildings. Blüemlisalphütte sits on a rocky balcony above the ice, and the route ends right at the terrace. Here you can drop your pack, take off your boots and watch the glacier and surrounding peaks glowing in the evening light.

Today’s route leads you down towards one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain lakes: Oeschinensee. The hike begins high up near the Hohtürli Pass and follows well-marked alpine paths with wide-open views. It’s a rewarding route for hikers who are comfortable walking in the mountains.

Midway through the walk, Oeschinensee suddenly appears—an impossibly blue lake surrounded by cliffs and glaciers. Take your time at one of the viewpoints, or head all the way to the lakeshore for a snack or even a swim on warm days.

From the mountain station above the lake, you can either take the cable car down to Kandersteg (great for tired legs) or continue walking downhill through the forest. Either way, you’ll finish the day with a big sense of achievement—and plenty of postcard-worthy photos.