Guttannen

If you are looking for a hotel in Guttannen, it is best to first decide which experiences you want to shape your trip. The Guttannen cross-country ski trail, the ViaSbrinz route and two different themed trails provide concrete starting points. The mountain landscape, local history and regional products round out these activities. You can then plan your travel dates according to whether you are mainly looking for cross-country skiing, a hike or insights into Guttannen’s culture.

Cross-country skiing and the ViaSbrinz route

The Guttannen cross-country ski trail is around 2 km long and starts at the Lengacherli car park. It is well suited to beginners and is illuminated in the evening, making it possible to exercise after dark. Its length, starting point and lighting are different factors to consider when deciding whether the trail suits your experience level and preferred time of day.

The trail is seasonal; snow and operating conditions may vary. Use of the Guttannen ski lift is free of charge. As this arrangement may change, confirm it locally before your trip.

ViaSbrinz stage 4/5 leads from Guttannen to Obergesteln. Via the Grimsel Pass, the ViaSbrinz follows a historic mule track featuring some spectacular structures from the muleteering era. While the cross-country ski trail offers guidance through its approximate distance, starting point and evening access, the ViaSbrinz’s stage destination and historic character are important criteria when choosing a route. Check route conditions and seasonal access before setting out.

Themed trails and local history

A digital scavenger hunt takes you on a walk through Guttannen and offers insights into the people, nature, culture and working life of the village. The audio trail “The Weather and Us” also runs through Guttannen and starts right by the Guttannen Dorf PostBus stop. At its 28 QR code stations, you can listen to audio recordings, including accounts in Haslideutsch about natural hazards and personal insights into the lives and experiences of the mountain community. The trail is offered as an excursion for families, schools, companies and other groups.

When choosing between the formats, the scavenger hunt focuses on several aspects of the village, while the audio trail focuses on weather, natural hazards and personal accounts. The kriSTALL exhibition combines sparkling crystals with light installations, video portraits and interactive stations. Crystals from the Haslital are also sold in Guttannen, and crystal exhibitions are offered; both are available by phone request.

The history of the church also provides a point of reference in time: in 1722, the chapels were replaced by a proper little church. The church in Guttannen was renovated in 1970 and has been under federal protection ever since.

Mountain landscape and the source of the Aare

The Finsteraarhorn in the municipality of Guttannen is the highest mountain in the canton of Bern. The Aare rises at the Unteraar Glacier in Guttannen. Guttannen is also part of the BLN site “Bernese High Alps and Aletsch-Bietschhorn Area (southern section),” part of the Landscapes and Natural Monuments of National Importance. The summit, river source and landscape inventory thus offer different points of reference for a trip focused on nature and the geographic character of the area.

Regional products

Alpine cheese, dried sausages and dried meat are available for self-service in Guttannen; Mutschli cheese and alpine butter are added seasonally. A small sales hut offers cheese, sausages and sweet home-baked goods during the Grimsel Pass opening period. This time restriction is relevant to your plans if you want to include this particular offering.

Historically, cheese from Guttannen was exported across the Grimsel Pass as far as northern Italy. The local cheesemaking tradition can therefore also be seen in the context of its former trade links: alongside the products available today, this historic connection is part of the village’s story.

Discover more destinations: Meiringen, Reuti, Hasliberg, Unterbäch, Hohfluh, Gadmen, Innertkirchen, Schattenhalb

For the main travel overview: Oberhasli.