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Lauenen - Arpelistock (3036 M.a.s.l)

11,42 km
4:52 hrs.
1.797 m
1 m
80
TOP Difficult
Condition
Technique
Experience
Landscape
Best season
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Starting point of the tour
Lauenen (1238 M.a.s.l)
Destination of the tour
Arpelistock (3036 M.a.s.l)
Lowest point
1.238 m
Highest point
3.036 m
Properties
  • Linear route
  • Multi-stage route
  • Scenic
  • Insider tip
  • Summit route
  • Refreshment stops available
Source : Destination Gstaad

A 2-day tour with overnight stay in the SAC Geltenhütte or a 1-day tour for ambitious ski tourers

Starting point for this tour is the charming village of Lauenen. Those using public transport get off the PostAuto at the Lauenen/Geltenhorn stop. Those arriving by car can park on the big parking lot by the bus stop. Lauenenseestrasse is closed in winter. The last parking lot is by the quarry.

From Lauenen the route goes through the flat moor landscape. Here in Rohr, ski tourers, winter hikers and cross-country skiers come together to enjoy the nature reserve. Soon the route goes off the slope and follows Sommerstrasse towards Lauenensee and over Legerlibrügg passing it to the east.

The summer hiking trail takes you through the forest to the valley floor of Undere Feisseberg. On the western bank of the Geltenbach, the tour continues into the valley, passing by frozen waterfalls through the mountain landscape to Nüwe Berg. Through a right turn the first cliff wall on the southern end of the valley floor can be avoided, the second wall is doable thanks to a trail carved into the rock. One must be careful here, especially at Geltenschuss, where the route passes behind the waterfall, it’s often very icy!

On the other side of the stream, the route climbs towards the SAC Geltenhütte. Those who have chosen the 2-day tour relax here, enjoy the view from the terrace and continue the tour the next day (maintenance times and further details about the hut can be found below). Ambitious ski tourers will enjoy the „Geltikafi“ and continue on their way.

From the SAC Geltenhütte the route goes along the Furggebächli through the Furggetäli. Between Arpelihore and Hüenerhürli it crosses what’s left of the Gelten glacier towards the Arpelistock. The area now really turns into a high alpine landscape – no trees grow anymore, the surroundings are rocky and rugged. The tour continues over the ridge to the summit of the Arpelistock at 3,035 m. The flat summit is the boundary between the cantons Bern and Valais and offers a wonderful panorama onto the Alps.

The descent leads back to the SAC Geltenhütte via the Rottäli and Furggetäli and then goes upwards until Lake Lauenen. From there follow Sommerstrasse back to Lauenen.

Properties
Lauenen – Geltenhütte – Arpelistock
Equipment
We recommend
  • Ski touring equipment: touring ski-boots, touring skis with touring bindings, ski poles, skins, ski crampons
  • Climbing harness
  • Avalanche transeiver
  • Backpack, shovel, probe
  • Warm weatherproof clothing
  • Warm gloves and warm hat
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Warm drinks
  • Snack (high energy foods such as chocolate, dried fruit etc.)
Tip of the author
A tip for those who would like to extend the tour a little: spend a second night at the SAC Geltenhütte and then climb the Geltenhorn or Wildhorn the next day.
Safety information
  • Plan every mountain tour carefully and adapt to participants’ fitness level as well as the weather and season.
  • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Appropriate clothing is therefore essential, along with adequate supplies of food and water. In uncertain weather, turn back in good time.
  • Inform others of planned route, and whenever possible avoid going alone.
  • It is forbidden to walk on the ski pistes.
  • Please be considerate to other walkers and to plants and animals.
  • Take note of the warning signs drawing attention to the constant danger in river beds and along watercourses below dams and reservoirs.
Public Transit
Postauto to Lauenen b. Gstaad, Geltenhorn
Parking
Parking ski lift Lauenen
Getting There
The Destination Gstaad is located in the south-west of Switzerland right on the border to the French-speaking part of the country. The Destination is easily accessed by rail or car from the regions around Lake Thun and Lake Geneva and the Gruyere region Direct connections to the European high-speed rail network and all international airports in Switzerland guarantee a time-saving and pleasant journey. The main means of transport in the destination of Gstaad are the "MOB" (Montreux-Oberland Bernois) train and numerous post bus lines.

Lauenen is accessible from Gstaad with the Postauto or by car.

 

More information on gstaad.ch.

Additional Information
The Geltenhütte is guarded from the end of February to the end of April and mid-June to mid-October. During this period you can eat and stay overnight in the Geltenhütte. During the unattended period, a winter room is available for overnight stays. An overnight stay is only possible with an obligatory reservation. Further information about the Geltenhütte can be found at https://www.gelten.ch/

 

Here you will find further ski tours.

 

Map and arrival