The Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge, which takes about 45 minutes to visit, calls for a different plan than a circular hike of around five hours. There are also shorter trails, cultural walks and climbing routes. Visitors choosing Schattenhalb as a destination can plan their days around walking time and their interests.
Glacier Gorge and Hiking Trails
A secured path about 1.2 kilometres long leads through the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge. It passes through tunnels, over more than 200 steps and through mountain forest. Allow about 45 minutes for your visit. The gorge is suitable for families who enjoy hiking in unspoilt nature. There is a rest area at the exit and a barbecue area near the entrance at Broch. Dogs are allowed in the gorge. In the Schwarzhorn Federal Hunting Ban Area, dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the area to protect wildlife.
The Rosenlaui hike has a different profile: a steep section is secured with ropes and is recommended only for experienced hikers. To get there, take the train to Meiringen, then the PostBus to Hotel Rosenlaui; on the return journey, take the PostBus from Kaltenbrunnen-Säge to Meiringen. Check the timetable for your travel date. During the summer season, PostBuses run from Meiringen via the Grosse Scheidegg to Grindelwald. PostBuses also run in winter when snow conditions are good and the sledging run is suitable.
The short 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 takes longer: it is 15.1 kilometres long, takes about five hours and starts and ends at Zwirgi, where you can take the PostBus. Weather and trail conditions can affect route information. A hike in the Reichenbach Valley passes waterfalls and offers views of mountain peaks.
Landscape and Nature
The Chaltenbrunnen raised bog is considered the highest raised bog in Europe; peat has never been extracted there. The Chaltenbrunnen raised bog trail runs through the bog and crosses a nature reserve. The approximately 30-hectare Alp Isetwald in the municipality of Schattenhalb lies like a terrace high above the valley floor of Meiringen. Its pastures feature dry-stone walls, white cotton grass and distinctive karst formations.
Flower-rich meadows, mighty sycamore maples and numerous dry-stone walls shape the landscape of the Reichenbach Valley. In the background, the Wellhorn and Wetterhorn rise with their almost vertical north faces; visibility of the mountains depends on the weather. The forests of Schattenhalb serve as green spaces and recreational areas for tourism. The Alp Kaltenbrunnen–Turen nature reserve is part of the Schattenhalb hiking area. Check access locally before planning a visit.
Cultural Trails and Historic Traces
Near Tannenhubel, a runic symbol dated 1600 is carved into a granite wall. Schattenhalb has many old wooden buildings; the oldest house in the municipality dates from 1605. The Schattenhalb cultural guide presents 28 noteworthy sites on three circular walks. The cultural walk through Willigen starts at the Reichenbach railway station. Buildings dating back more than four centuries can be seen along the circular route through Willigen; access to individual sites may change.
The traditional houses along the Willigen route are typical of the Bernese Oberland style: they have a solid ground floor and two wooden storeys above. This means the walk can also be combined with a look at the architecture that defines the village. For a specific route choice, the duration and course of the circular walk are also key: it runs via Willigen, Reichenbach Falls, Geissholz, Lammi and the Aare Gorge and takes approximately two and a half to three hours.
The old Scheidegg trail was once an important trade route between Grindelwald and Meiringen. It later gained tourist significance thanks to the popularity of the Rosenlaui health resort and the Oberland circular tour via the Kleine and Grosse Scheidegg. The Rosenlaui health resort was discovered in 1771; a spa business developed there until a landslide destroyed the resort shortly before the First World War. The construction of the BrĂĽnig Railway in 1888 supported the emerging tourism industry in Schattenhalb. Many residents subsequently worked as mountain guides, coachmen and porters. The Reichenbach Railway is 714 metres long and opened on 8 June 1899.
Climbing in the Engelhörner
The Engelhörner are the home mountains of the municipality of Schattenhalb. In the last century, they were among Switzerland's most famous climbing mountains, and they are still frequently climbed today. For climbing tours, the municipality recommends mountain guides from Schattenhalb who belong to the SAC Haslital Mountain Guide Association. Tour conditions and mountain guide availability may vary; confirm availability before booking.
Discover more destinations: Gadmen, Hasliberg, Unterbäch, Guttannen, Innertkirchen, Hohfluh, Meiringen, Reuti
For the main travel overview: Oberhasli.
