Schattenhalb: Experience Hiking and History

Schattenhalb is home to many old wooden buildings; the oldest house in the municipality dates back to 1605. Different time estimates also factor into planning your trip: a visit to the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge takes about 45 minutes, while some circular routes take approximately two and a half to five hours.

Gorge, Circular Routes and Hikes

The Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge has a secured path about 1.2 kilometres long. It leads through tunnels, over more than 200 steps and through mountain forest. The gorge is suitable for families who enjoy hiking in unspoilt nature. There is a rest area at the exit, and the Broch barbecue area is near the entrance. Dogs are allowed in the gorge. However, to protect wildlife in the Schwarzhorn Federal Hunting Ban Area, they must be kept on a leash throughout the area.

One section of the Rosenlaui hike is steep and secured with ropes; it is recommended only for experienced hikers. To get there, take the train to Meiringen and then the postbus to Hotel Rosenlaui. For the return journey, a postbus runs from Kaltenbrunnen-Säge to Meiringen.

The circular route via Willigen, Reichenbach Falls, Geissholz, Lammi and the Aare Gorge takes approximately two and a half to three hours. The Zwirgi–Isetwald–Seilialp circular route is listed as 15.1 kilometres and about five hours; it starts and ends with the postbus in Zwirgi. Weather and trail conditions can affect route information. A visit to the glacier gorge is therefore the shorter option, while these circular routes take up a longer part of the day.

A hike in the Reichenbach Valley passes waterfalls and offers views of mountain peaks. Flower-filled meadows, mighty sycamore maples and numerous dry-stone walls characterise the valley’s landscape. In clear weather, the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn rise in the background, with their almost vertical north faces.

Nature and Landscape

The Chaltenbrunnen high moor trail leads through the Chaltenbrunnen high moor, described as the highest-altitude raised bog in Europe. Peat has never been extracted there; the trail crosses a nature reserve. Trail conditions may change, and you should check locally for access to the protected area.

The approximately 30-hectare Isetwald Alp lies in the municipality of Schattenhalb like a terrace high above the valley floor of Meiringen. Its pastureland features dry-stone walls, white cottongrass and distinctive karst formations. The forests of Schattenhalb serve as green spaces and recreational areas for tourism.

Walks and Historical Traces

Buildings dating back more than four centuries can be visited along the circular route through Willigen. The traditional houses there follow the typical building style of the Bernese Oberland: a solid ground floor and two wooden storeys above it. The Schattenhalb cultural guide presents 28 places of interest on three walks. The cultural walk through Willigen starts at the Reichenbach railway station.

Near Tannenhubel, a runic symbol dated to 1600 is carved into a granite wall. The old Scheidegg trail was once an important trade route between Grindelwald and Meiringen. It later gained tourist importance through the popularity of the Rosenlaui spa and the Oberland circular tour via the Kleine and Grosse Scheidegg. The Rosenlaui spa was discovered in 1771; a spa resort developed there until a landslide destroyed it shortly before the First World War.

The construction of the Brünig railway in 1888 supported the emerging tourism industry; many residents subsequently worked as mountain guides, coachmen and porters. The Reichenbach railway is 714 metres long and opened on 8 June 1899.

Plan Climbing and Journeys

The Engelhörner are the local mountains of the municipality of Schattenhalb and are still frequently climbed today. In the last century, they were among Switzerland’s most famous climbing mountains. Mountain guides from the municipality who belong to the SAC Haslital Mountain Guide Association are recommended for climbing trips; confirm their availability before booking. Route conditions may vary.

During the summer season, postbuses run from Meiringen via the Grosse Scheidegg to Grindelwald. When snow conditions are good and a suitable sledging route is available, the postbus also runs in winter. Check the current timetable for your journey. If you are looking for a hotel in Schattenhalb, the different time estimates for visits and hikes can help you plan your stay.

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

For the overarching travel overview: Oberhasli.