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The Glacier Trek - Intermediate

Duration: 4 days
Trails: T4 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: More than 1000 m ascent per day

> Hike the sunny side of Switzerland with the whole family
> Stay in cozy mountain huts
> Experience the pink glow of Enrosadira at sunrise and sunset

Ever seen a glacier up close? On the Glacier Trek, you’ll get face to face with one. This 4-day route winds through a dazzling slice of the Swiss Alps, where every bend brings a new wow. One day it’s turquoise lakes, the next a towering wall of ice. Early birds get the alpenglow—nature’s own pink light show—while the rest of the world sleeps in.

The Glacier Trek is great for hikers with a bit of mountain mileage. It’s not technical, but you’ll definitely feel like you’ve earned your stripes. You’ll cross flower-filled meadows and panoramic ridges, and end each day in a welcoming hut with hearty food and killer views. On day two, the route crosses a glacier—you’ll probably need crampons. Alpine magic, no extras needed.

Perfect for anyone who wants their summer adventure with a bit of altitude. And yes, there’s strudel at the end.

Itinerary

Day
1

Meiringen – Brochhütte

Duration: 04:50 h
Distance: 12.1 km
Ascent: 1160 m
Descent: 260 m

You start this hike with a roar—literally. The Aare Gorge thunders beside you as you step into one of Switzerland’s most dramatic geological wonders. Soon after, the trail eases into forest paths and scenic meadows, only to crank things back up with a thundering encore: the Reichenbach Falls, famous for the final showdown between Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty.

From there, the trail climbs steadily through forests and alpine pastures. As you gain elevation, the views open up and the air sharpens. You’ll catch your first stunning glimpse of the Rosenlaui Glacier—a panorama that hits pause on your thoughts. A final push takes you to Brochhütte, your mountain base for the night, nestled deep in alpine silence.

This stage is all about contrasts: wild water and calm forests, literary legends and icy giants. Welcome to the Meiringen Glacier View Loop. You’re just getting started.

Brochhütte

Info
Brochhütte
Brochhütte
Day
2

Brochhütte - Dossenhütte

Duration: 04:45 h
Distance: 7.69 km
Ascent: 1250 m
Descent: 130 m

The glacier is with you right from the start. You hike up alongside icy waters and moraine paths, with the mighty Rosenlaui Glacier shimmering across the valley. Views back down into the gorge are already worth the effort—but the real thrill is ahead.

The trail climbs steeply through rocky switchbacks, and you feel the terrain getting wilder with every step. The valley narrows, the peaks close in, and soon you reach the exposed ridge near the Dossenhütte. It’s a high-mountain stage with real character: cables, ladders, and narrow ledges remind you that you’re in alpine territory now. Crampons are strongly recommended—sections can be icy and exposed, especially early in the season.

Dossenhütte welcomes you with a killer view and a sense of true arrival. You’ve crossed into serious terrain, and the next stages will only get more spectacular. Buckle up.

Dossenhütte

Info
Dossenhütte
Dossenhütte
Day
3

Dossenhütte - Gaulihütte

Duration: 05:30 h
Distance: 10 km
Ascent: 760 m
Descent: 1210 m

You leave Dossenhütte behind and step into wild alpine terrain. The trail leads over boulder fields and steep rocky sections that demand focus and care. Early in the day, you’re navigating a rugged landscape carved long ago by glacial ice—now mostly rock and meltwater.

As you contour around Schwarze Dossen, the views open up dramatically. To your left: the vast Gauli basin. To your right: jagged ridgelines that make this feel like a proper expedition. You’re walking through the legacy of a glacier without touching the ice itself.

The final section brings you into greener slopes. A short climb leads to Gaulihütte, perched high above the valley. Time to kick off your boots, enjoy the view, and let the silence sink in. Tomorrow, the journey continues deeper into the Bernese Alps.

Gaulihütte

Info
Gaulihütte
Gaulihütte
Day
4

Gaulihütte - Meiringen

Duration: 05:20 h
Distance: 13.4 km
Ascent: 60 m
Descent: 1620 m

You leave the high alpine world of the Gaulihütte behind and begin a long descent back into the valley. The trail starts steep and rocky, zigzagging past outlooks with one last glimpse of glaciers and granite walls.

As you lose altitude, the terrain softens. Alpine meadows reappear, the air thickens, and birdsong replaces mountain silence. The trail winds through the hidden beauty of the Urbachtal, a remote valley full of wildflowers and waterfalls.

The forest trail leads you down into Haslital, finishing in Innertkirchen. From there, it’s a short train ride back to Meiringen, where your adventure began. Four days, countless views, and a journey that won’t let go. This one stays with you.

Included

  • Full travel guide

    You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Glacier Trek. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.

  • Accommodation

    During your Glacier Trek, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. In the mountain huts we normally only book dormitories, but we can look into private rooms on request. If the private rooms are fully booked or not available in the hut, we automatically book a bed in dormitories for you. Please note that private rooms are more expensive and there will be an additional charge for this.

  • Half-board in Huts

    Accommodation at the huts includes dinner and breakfast. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about. Bear in mind that lunch is not included, but it can be purchased at the huts. Here you can also buy an array of snacks and bottled water.

  • Navigation support

    Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

  • Traveling to and from

    You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.

  • Transfers

    Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.

  • Lunch

    Half-board is included in the price of this trek. Lunch, however, is not. You can get something to eat at the mountain huts along the way.

  • Travel Insurance

    Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

FAQ

  • How to get to the starting point of the trek

  • From the endpoint back to the starting point

  • What if the dates I want are not available?

  • If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

  • How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

  • Booking

  • Availability

  • Cancellation policy

Packing List for the Glacier Trek

  • Information

  • Essentials

  • Extras