Walking SwitzerlandOeschinensee - Blumlisalphutte - OeschinenseeWalk 8033
Canton - Bern / Berne - Kandertal
Author - Lou Johnson
Length - 13.0 km / 8.1 miles
Ascent - 1150 metres / 3795 feet
Descent - 1150 metres / 3795 feet
Time - 7.00 hours
Grade - moderate/hard
The Blümlisalphütte is located on the northern flanks of the Blümlisalp a short ascent above the Hohtürli col. Starting from near the Öeschinensee, this is a long day in the mountains and you should be adequately prepared.
Start & End Upper station of the Sesselbahn Öeschinen from Kandersteg. The valley station is a few minutes walk from Kandersteg Railway Station. See Transport Map for the Kandertal Region.
Exit the upper station of the chairlift and follow the wide path signed to the Öeschinensee. Ahead the Blümlisalp and its satellite peaks provide a wonderful panorama. Where the main path descending to the hotels bears right, continue ahead on a narrower path. The path passes through a landscape of scattered woodland. Soon you reach a junction of paths. Fork left here for the Blümlisalphütte and begin a traverse across the flank of the Zallershorn.
The route ahead is never in doubt and with spectacular mountain scenery particularly to your right, there are plenty of scenic distractions to help you forget about the steady ascent. Arriving at Oberbergli you join the path coming up from the Öeschinensee. The immediate surroundings are becoming rougher as you climb higher. Crossing a stream the path climbs to the follow the crest of a long since departed glacier. The terrain changes to scree with the hut now clearly visible on a ridge to your right. Reaching the broad col of Hohtürli, turn right off the main trail, which now descends to Griesalp. With less than 50 metres of ascent remaining, you soon arrive at the hut.
The return route is identical to that used above. As an alternative you can also continue over the broad col of Hohtürli and descend steeply to Griesalp.
Suggested Maps
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW 5004 - Berner Oberland
Landeskarte der Schweiz - 1:50000 - Sheet SW5009 - Gstaad - Adelboden
Kandersteg Wanderkarte - 1:25000
Recommended Books
The Tour of the Bernina
Guidebook describing a 9-stage (119km) route around the Piz Bernina massif in the Alps on the Swiss-Italian border near St Moritz, and the 8-stage (94km) Alta Via Valmalenco exploring the Valmalenco valley, in the shadow of Monte Disgrazia. The Tour of the Bernina is suitable for first-time trekkers but the Alta Via needs some experience.
Tour of Mont Blanc
An 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.
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.