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803001

Lobhornhutte - Saxeten
Walk 8030

Canton - Bern / Berne - Jungfrau Region

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.0 km / 4.4 miles

Ascent - 150 metres / 495 feet

Descent - 870 metres / 2871 feet

Time - 3.50 hours

Grade - moderate/hard

Photo from the walk - Lobhornhutte - Saxeten
Click image to visit gallery of 12 images.

This high level walk crosses the flanks of Bällenalp which rises to the south of Wilderswil. The walk includes some wonderful waterfalls and good views of the surrounding mountains with the final section following the valley floor to Saxeten.

Start the Lobhornhütte. This can be reached by following walk 8029 from Sulwald.

End the village of Saxeten. This village is served by infrequent postbuses that descend to the railway station in Wilderswil. See Transport Map for the Jungfrau Region.

From the Lobhornhütte take the path cutting across the main path going north from the lake of Sulsseelwli. The route is well marked although relatively little walked. After an initial climb the path drops and traverses across a scree slope of Tschingel to reach a broad col to the west of Bällehöchst (2095 m). From here make the short detour to the summit. The views are similar to those enjoyed elsewhere on the walk but you do get to experience the relatively lofty position of this excellent summit with a spectacular view down to Wilderswil.

From the broad col continue across alpine meadows to reach the small farm at Usser Ballen. The clear path descends towards the head of the valley passing another farm at Hinder Ballen. Losing height quickly in a series of zigzags the path reaches the main valley track at Underberg.

From here walk down the valley enjoying some wonderful waterfalls. Not far down the road bear right and cross the river to follow a signed footpath on the eastern banks of the river. As you near the village of Saxeten you will pass an interesting water-powered sawmill on your left. Reaching the road, turn left, cross the river and walk up into the village where a small hotel offers a variety of refreshments. Do be careful and ensure you know the bus times before setting out. The service is limited and infrequent. The time of for and half hours from Sulwald was achieved easily and excludes a time spent at the Lobhornhütte.

Suggested Maps

Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5004 - Berner Oberland

Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:25000 - Sheet SW 2520 - Jungfrau Region

Wanderkarte - Wengen, Mürren & Lauterbrunnental - 1:40000

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Tour of Mont BlancAn essential guidebook for walking the Tour of Mont Blanc. The 170km route typically takes 11 days to trek around the Mont Blanc massif. The TMB is recognised as one of the world's classic treks. The book describes both anti-clockwise and clockwise directions, with variants and information about huts, refuges and facilities en route.

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The Swiss Alpine Pass Route - Via Alpina Route 1

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Stay Safe

Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.

Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.

Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.

Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.

Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.

Do check the weather forecast before leaving.

Do do not exceed your capabilities.

Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Sitzerland is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps at the most detailed scale where possible. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed, and corrective action taken if necessary.