A weekend in a mountain hut in Griesalp
For a final summer hike in the mountains, we choose to go to the village of Griesalp, where the panoramic Blüemlisalphorn is located, in the Jungfrau-Aletsch region, which is one of the UNESCO treasures. We take advantage of the September weekend when the Alpabzug of cattle and llamas will take place in this valley. In Switzerland, September is an exceptional time to still enjoy the good weather, sunny days as in summer, a pleasant but not excessive heat, while the first autumn colours appear.
Griesalp is located about 2.30 hours by car from Zurich, and can be reached with a final stretch of road, from Reichenbach, incredibly steep (28%), marked as the most impervious road on which a postal bus still operates in Switzerland! The route is also picturesque by car: between the thick vegetation and a few small waterfalls, one reaches the Kiental, where the car can be parked in a spacious lot for 5.- Chf/day.
The path leading to the Gspalterhornhütte, first proceeds along an asphalted road, between some built-up areas, where local products are sold, such as excellent cheeses, yoghurt and honey.
The route consists of two variants, which offer the possibility of following a different path on the way back. From Bürgli (1,617 m) one reaches Obere Dürreberg (1,996 m) on a mule track that climbs to the left, from where a pleasant path along a stream continues over stony stretches until a very steep wooden staircase, that facilitates the ascent to 2,612 m of Sefinenfurgge.
From the fork, which requires about 3 hours to be reached, you can enjoy a fabulous view towards the Schilthorn, and the Jungfraujoch, among snowy peaks, green and tree-lined expanses, and harsh and inhospitable moraines. With a few exposed sections and a path that continues along a narrow ridge, you reach the valley that looks at the refuge on the left and the Gamchi glacier on the right. The slope of the steep mountain is a slab of stone with soft stretches, sculpted by undulating veins forged by the erosion of the glacier, whose excerpts, few now, remain precariously clinging to the imposing rocky massif. There is no sound around, except for a few distant whistles of marmots and an incessant soundtrack of waters flowing in the lower valley.
It takes a couple of hours to reach the refuge. This building, partially renovated after a landslide that destroyed part of the original body, is incredibly set in a rocky spur that seems to be suspended above the valley, hundreds of meters down. There is an incredible peace, and you can enjoy the last rays of sunshine with a homemade iced tea or a cold beer.
The atmosphere in the hut is very convivial: dinner is served at 6:30 pm in a large room, sharing the table with other hikers. The dinner is above expectations, based on vegetable soup, salad, and an excellent goulash with polenta. After the dessert, having cleared ourselves and having spent some time having fun with some board games, we hide in the dormitories, up to 6 occupants, in the wooden attic.
In the morning, breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m., and we prepare to descend along the alternative path that leads back to Griesalp.
We descend along the valley, among the moraines of the glacier, a beautiful waterfall that flows into the downstream and some exposed rocky stretches wet by spring water. The panorama is exceptional, and the light in the morning gives majesty to these rugged and rocky mountains, interrupted by terraces and valleys covered by a bright green lawn. The alpine farms along the way offer the possibility to buy their own cheeses: don't miss the opportunity to enter their cellars, taste and buy these delicious and exceptionally cheap products.
The return journey is a very pleasant walk of 3 hours, without excessive difficulty. The landscapes, in front and behind, leave you breathless.
DEPARTURE Griesalp, 1408 m
ARRIVAL Gspalterhornhutte 2455 m / Griesalp
DIFFERENCE IN ALTITUDE UP/DOWN 1400 m
LEVEL T3/T4
This content is NOT SPONSORED, but based on my genuine personal experience. Spontaneous opinions, positive and negative, shareable or not, that I hope will help to live better travel experiences. My advice is a guide to lead you through world explorations, but the real journey, you build it!
