ViaBerna - stage 18 Hasliberg - Engstlenalp

Through Undere and Obere Stafel as well as Underi and Oberi Syten, the trail goes from Hasliberg-Reuti to Planplatten, a ridge with breathtaking views that is also accessible by gondola lift and has a panoramic restaurant. On the ascent you will encounter the Zwergenweg (dwarf trail) at Gummalpwald. At the top station, it’s worth visiting the “Alpen Tower”. From here you can make out Lake Brienz, the Aare Valley and the Wetterhorn. You reach Balmeregghorn by alternately climbing down and up on a mountain trail. The view to the right is into Gental and to Gadmerflue. Balmeregghorn is the highest point of the hike. The ridge trail that follows forms the border with the canton of Obwalden until Ärzegg. On the left you will see the lakes Melchsee and later Tannensee. The descent to Tannensee takes you along the ridge and later through Alpine pasture. After the Alpine settlement of Tannalp, the trail joins a passage with exposed sections at Geisstritt. A few years ago, the passage was extensively improved and a rope was added. It is now passable for everybody. The route now switches back from Obwald into the canton of Bern. You reach Engstlenalp over Alpine pasture and streams. Be sure not to miss the idyllic Engstlensee lake. The cool, clear water is a relaxing reward after your hard work.

The mountain landscape is full of dwarves. The best-known dwarf on Hasliberg is called Muggestutz and that’s also the name of the experience trail that was the first to be built in the Bernese Oberland, between Mäglisalp and Bidmi. The Dwarf Trail is a popular destination for families every summer.

Names of local features like Erzgrueben and Ärzegg indicate that iron ore used to be mined on the ridge centuries ago. The material was laboriously transported from the mountain to a blast furnace at Innertkirchen.

Engstlenalp, situated in a pocket high above Innertkirchen, at 1,850 metres, is considered to be one of the most beautiful Alps in Switzerland and is a remote, silent snow paradise in winter.

Situated right next to lake Engstlensee, Hotel Engstlenalp has been welcoming guests since 1892. The surface of the lake reflects the summits surrounding Engstlenalp. The lake is at the foot of the glaciated Titlis and surrounded by diverse flora and the ancient Swiss pines that stand amid the hilly moraine landscape on the northern shore. The area is protected by law due to its location.