Hiking

Höhenrundweg Gryden
Lenk, Betelberg–Lenk, Betelberg

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Höhenrundweg Gryden
Lenk, Betelberg–Lenk, Betelberg
The Betelberg hides a fascinating place with an extraordinary scenery: the Gryden. The crater-like, bizarre rocky landscape can be explored on this high-altitude circular trail. It leads from Lenk's local mountain along the south side of the 'Stübleni' to the refuge and back.
The first 850 metres in altitude to the Leiterli top station are gained by means of the Betelberg cable car, where the unique high-altitude trail through the Gryden area starts in a leisurely manner. In view on the first section: the protected, alpine moor landscape of Halserberg/Betelberg. Before the mountain trail narrows and the first ascent begins, it is worth stopping for a break at the Steinstoss alp which you will pass again on the way back.
The following easy ascent runs along the south side of the Stübleni limestone formation, the highest point of the hike. On a clear day, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view: from the Simmental over the Saanenland to the mountain gems of Fribourg. The "Stübleni" (small rooms) refer to the individual "craters" in the Gryden area, whereby "Gryde" probably comes from Chride (chalk). But how did this unique area in Switzerland, which fascinates geologists, biologists and hikers alike, come into being? The rain gradually dissolves the almost white, relatively soft gypsum rock. The water carves holes in it, but continues to flow underground, creating a system of gypsum karst with cavities. When one of these collapses, the sinkholes become visible on the surface. In the Stübleni area, these seepage funnels are particularly numerous.
The trail winds downhill past the sinkholes towards the turning point of the circular hike. A detour to the refuge is worthwhile here: take a break and enjoy the moon-like crater landscape before heading back. Those who do this additional loop should be sure-footed and free from vertigo. This time you pass the "Stübleni" to the north. From there, the trail descends steadily to Steinstoss, after which there is only about one kilometre left to reach the starting point.
The following easy ascent runs along the south side of the Stübleni limestone formation, the highest point of the hike. On a clear day, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view: from the Simmental over the Saanenland to the mountain gems of Fribourg. The "Stübleni" (small rooms) refer to the individual "craters" in the Gryden area, whereby "Gryde" probably comes from Chride (chalk). But how did this unique area in Switzerland, which fascinates geologists, biologists and hikers alike, come into being? The rain gradually dissolves the almost white, relatively soft gypsum rock. The water carves holes in it, but continues to flow underground, creating a system of gypsum karst with cavities. When one of these collapses, the sinkholes become visible on the surface. In the Stübleni area, these seepage funnels are particularly numerous.
The trail winds downhill past the sinkholes towards the turning point of the circular hike. A detour to the refuge is worthwhile here: take a break and enjoy the moon-like crater landscape before heading back. Those who do this additional loop should be sure-footed and free from vertigo. This time you pass the "Stübleni" to the north. From there, the trail descends steadily to Steinstoss, after which there is only about one kilometre left to reach the starting point.
The Betelberg hides a fascinating place with an extraordinary scenery: the Gryden. The crater-like, bizarre rocky landscape can be explored on this high-altitude circular trail. It leads from Lenk's local mountain along the south side of the 'Stübleni' to the refuge and back.
The first 850 metres in altitude to the Leiterli top station are gained by means of the Betelberg cable car, where the unique high-altitude trail through the Gryden area starts in a leisurely manner. In view on the first section: the protected, alpine moor landscape of Halserberg/Betelberg. Before the mountain trail narrows and the first ascent begins, it is worth stopping for a break at the Steinstoss alp which you will pass again on the way back.
The following easy ascent runs along the south side of the Stübleni limestone formation, the highest point of the hike. On a clear day, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view: from the Simmental over the Saanenland to the mountain gems of Fribourg. The "Stübleni" (small rooms) refer to the individual "craters" in the Gryden area, whereby "Gryde" probably comes from Chride (chalk). But how did this unique area in Switzerland, which fascinates geologists, biologists and hikers alike, come into being? The rain gradually dissolves the almost white, relatively soft gypsum rock. The water carves holes in it, but continues to flow underground, creating a system of gypsum karst with cavities. When one of these collapses, the sinkholes become visible on the surface. In the Stübleni area, these seepage funnels are particularly numerous.
The trail winds downhill past the sinkholes towards the turning point of the circular hike. A detour to the refuge is worthwhile here: take a break and enjoy the moon-like crater landscape before heading back. Those who do this additional loop should be sure-footed and free from vertigo. This time you pass the "Stübleni" to the north. From there, the trail descends steadily to Steinstoss, after which there is only about one kilometre left to reach the starting point.
The following easy ascent runs along the south side of the Stübleni limestone formation, the highest point of the hike. On a clear day, you can enjoy a fantastic panoramic view: from the Simmental over the Saanenland to the mountain gems of Fribourg. The "Stübleni" (small rooms) refer to the individual "craters" in the Gryden area, whereby "Gryde" probably comes from Chride (chalk). But how did this unique area in Switzerland, which fascinates geologists, biologists and hikers alike, come into being? The rain gradually dissolves the almost white, relatively soft gypsum rock. The water carves holes in it, but continues to flow underground, creating a system of gypsum karst with cavities. When one of these collapses, the sinkholes become visible on the surface. In the Stübleni area, these seepage funnels are particularly numerous.
The trail winds downhill past the sinkholes towards the turning point of the circular hike. A detour to the refuge is worthwhile here: take a break and enjoy the moon-like crater landscape before heading back. Those who do this additional loop should be sure-footed and free from vertigo. This time you pass the "Stübleni" to the north. From there, the trail descends steadily to Steinstoss, after which there is only about one kilometre left to reach the starting point.
Length | Number of stages
7 km
| 1 Stage
Ascent | Descent
320 m | 320 m
Hiking time
2 h 15 min
Grade | Fitness level
medium
(mountain hiking trail)
|
easy
Arrival | return travel
Season
Season
Please note: Snow fields are possible on the upper sections right through to the summer months.
More …
Wallbachschlucht
Duration
16.05.2022 - 30.11.2022
Reason
Storm damage
Due to storm damage, the Wallbach Gorge is not accessible. A diversion is signalled. The ViaAlpina is also routed via this detour. Please note the signalling on site.
Status
validated
Data source: Swiss Hiking Federation and Cantonal hiking associations
Arrival | return travel
Contact
Lenk-Simmental Tourismus
Rawilstrasse 3
3775 Lenk i.S.
Tel. +41 (0)33 736 35 35
info@lenk-simmental.ch
www.lenk-simmental.ch
Rawilstrasse 3
3775 Lenk i.S.
Tel. +41 (0)33 736 35 35
info@lenk-simmental.ch
www.lenk-simmental.ch