Hiking

Via Alpina
Stage 16, Lenk–Gstaad

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Via Alpina
Stage 16, Lenk–Gstaad
From Lenk via the Wallegggraben, up into lynx territory, through a damp, eroded limestone region with far-reaching views. Over the Trüttlisbergpass and through the long Turbachtal valley with its varied history down to the sophistication of Gstaad.
Following the Wallbach through the eponymous gorge, this stage begins along a path and over steps. The ascent to the Wallegg-Stube restaurant is relatively steep. Impressively, the river has carved out metre-deep cylindrical pools in the rock here over hundreds of years. The path then continues uphill, winding its way through rolling meadows and over the tree line.
Another boundary, the cantonal border with Valais, becomes visible in the form of the Wildstrubel and Wildhorn. Passing between these two peaks over 3,200 metres high, the Rawil Pass was used by the inhabitants of Lenk from the early Middle Ages to maintain trade relations with Valais. The Tierberg comes into view on the other side, towards Adelboden. Its cave was probably the highest Alpine resting place in the Neolithic period. Via the Trüttlisberg Pass, the highest point of the stage, we leave the municipal boundary with Gstaad and now look down into the magnificent Turbach valley. The panoramic view to the south stretches from the famous Lake Lauenen to the Geltenschuss. This impressive waterfall 100 metres high has multiple levels and is also the emblem of the valley basin.
The hiking trail leads down to the Turbach, starting on a moorland path. Nestling between the Hornfluh and the Giferhorn, Gstaad’s local mountain, we sink deeper and deeper into the lovely, unspoilt Turbach valley, surrounded on both sides by steep slopes and always following the stream. The further we descend into the valley, only the lower part of which is inhabited all year round, the greener the meadows become. Passing by the scattered agricultural settlement of Turbach, we finally reach the fashionable holiday resort of Gstaad.
Another boundary, the cantonal border with Valais, becomes visible in the form of the Wildstrubel and Wildhorn. Passing between these two peaks over 3,200 metres high, the Rawil Pass was used by the inhabitants of Lenk from the early Middle Ages to maintain trade relations with Valais. The Tierberg comes into view on the other side, towards Adelboden. Its cave was probably the highest Alpine resting place in the Neolithic period. Via the Trüttlisberg Pass, the highest point of the stage, we leave the municipal boundary with Gstaad and now look down into the magnificent Turbach valley. The panoramic view to the south stretches from the famous Lake Lauenen to the Geltenschuss. This impressive waterfall 100 metres high has multiple levels and is also the emblem of the valley basin.
The hiking trail leads down to the Turbach, starting on a moorland path. Nestling between the Hornfluh and the Giferhorn, Gstaad’s local mountain, we sink deeper and deeper into the lovely, unspoilt Turbach valley, surrounded on both sides by steep slopes and always following the stream. The further we descend into the valley, only the lower part of which is inhabited all year round, the greener the meadows become. Passing by the scattered agricultural settlement of Turbach, we finally reach the fashionable holiday resort of Gstaad.
From Lenk via the Wallegggraben, up into lynx territory, through a damp, eroded limestone region with far-reaching views. Over the Trüttlisbergpass and through the long Turbachtal valley with its varied history down to the sophistication of Gstaad.
Following the Wallbach through the eponymous gorge, this stage begins along a path and over steps. The ascent to the Wallegg-Stube restaurant is relatively steep. Impressively, the river has carved out metre-deep cylindrical pools in the rock here over hundreds of years. The path then continues uphill, winding its way through rolling meadows and over the tree line.
Another boundary, the cantonal border with Valais, becomes visible in the form of the Wildstrubel and Wildhorn. Passing between these two peaks over 3,200 metres high, the Rawil Pass was used by the inhabitants of Lenk from the early Middle Ages to maintain trade relations with Valais. The Tierberg comes into view on the other side, towards Adelboden. Its cave was probably the highest Alpine resting place in the Neolithic period. Via the Trüttlisberg Pass, the highest point of the stage, we leave the municipal boundary with Gstaad and now look down into the magnificent Turbach valley. The panoramic view to the south stretches from the famous Lake Lauenen to the Geltenschuss. This impressive waterfall 100 metres high has multiple levels and is also the emblem of the valley basin.
The hiking trail leads down to the Turbach, starting on a moorland path. Nestling between the Hornfluh and the Giferhorn, Gstaad’s local mountain, we sink deeper and deeper into the lovely, unspoilt Turbach valley, surrounded on both sides by steep slopes and always following the stream. The further we descend into the valley, only the lower part of which is inhabited all year round, the greener the meadows become. Passing by the scattered agricultural settlement of Turbach, we finally reach the fashionable holiday resort of Gstaad.
Another boundary, the cantonal border with Valais, becomes visible in the form of the Wildstrubel and Wildhorn. Passing between these two peaks over 3,200 metres high, the Rawil Pass was used by the inhabitants of Lenk from the early Middle Ages to maintain trade relations with Valais. The Tierberg comes into view on the other side, towards Adelboden. Its cave was probably the highest Alpine resting place in the Neolithic period. Via the Trüttlisberg Pass, the highest point of the stage, we leave the municipal boundary with Gstaad and now look down into the magnificent Turbach valley. The panoramic view to the south stretches from the famous Lake Lauenen to the Geltenschuss. This impressive waterfall 100 metres high has multiple levels and is also the emblem of the valley basin.
The hiking trail leads down to the Turbach, starting on a moorland path. Nestling between the Hornfluh and the Giferhorn, Gstaad’s local mountain, we sink deeper and deeper into the lovely, unspoilt Turbach valley, surrounded on both sides by steep slopes and always following the stream. The further we descend into the valley, only the lower part of which is inhabited all year round, the greener the meadows become. Passing by the scattered agricultural settlement of Turbach, we finally reach the fashionable holiday resort of Gstaad.
Length
22 km
Ascent | Descent
1150 m | 1150 m
Hiking time
7 h 00 min
Grade | Fitness level
medium
(mountain hiking trail)
|
difficult
Arrival | return travel
Season
More …
Hint
Rail/bus/boat: long section, please note postbus recommendation No. 365 Turbach–Gstaad.
365
Ascent Turbach
Rail, bus, boat recommendation
Gstaad, Bahnhof–Turbach, Post
Gstaad, Bahnhof–Turbach, Post
or
Turbach, Post–Gstaad, Bahnhof
Turbach, Post–Gstaad, Bahnhof
Reason: metres in height saved Gstaad–Turbach approx. 280m.
SBB Timetable
Via Alpina hiking pass
With the Via Alpina hiking passbook, you collect 38 stamps with memories to cherish. The stamp stations are located at each stage start and finish. More information about the hiking passbook.
Overview map of all stamp stations
Arrival | return travel
Contact
Gestione della segnaletica
La segnaletica è gestita dall'associazione cantonale per i sentieri escursionistici su incarico del cantone. Aiuta anche tu! Diventa socio nel tuo cantone.
Associati
Schweizer Wanderwege
Monbijoustrasse 61
3000 Bern 23