©  (c) Destination Gstaad / Melanie Uhkoetter / Région de vacances Gstaad
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Lauenen - Arpelistock (3036 m a.s.l.)

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The two-day route with an overnight stay at the Geltenhütte SAC or as a day route for ski tourers who like it sporty.

  • Difficulty difficult
  • Duration 4:52 h
  • Distance 11,4 km
  • 1797 m
  • 1 m
Tags
  • Multi-stage route
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Summit route
  • Scenic

Ferienregion Gstaad
Update: 18.10.2025

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The starting point for this route is the charming village of Lauenen. Those traveling by public transport get off at the Lauenen, Geltenhorn post bus stop; drivers park in the large parking lot at the stop. The Lauenensee road is closed in winter; the very last parking lot is at the quarry.

The route from Lauenen first leads through the flat moorland. Here in Rohr, ski tourers, winter hikers, and cross-country skiers meet who fully enjoy the nature reserve. Soon the route leaves the slopes and follows the summer road towards Lauenensee and past it to the east over the Legerlibrügg.

Following the summer hiking trail, it goes through the forest to the valley floor of Undere Feisseberg. Following the western bank of the Geltenbach, the route leads inland past frozen waterfalls through the mountain landscape to the Nüwe Berg. The first rock ledge at the southern end of the valley floor is bypassed by a right bend; the second ledge is overcome on the path carved into the rock. Caution is advised on this section; especially at Geltenschuss, where the route leads behind the waterfall, it is often very icy!

On the other side of the stream, the route continues uphill to the Geltenhütte SAC. Those who have chosen the two-day route rest here, enjoy the view on the terrace, and continue the tour the next day (maintenance times and more details about the hut see info below). The sporty ones can treat themselves to a Gelten coffee and continue the route revitalized.

From the Geltenhütte, the route follows the Furggebächli through the Furggetäli valley. Between the Arpelihore and the Hüenerhürli, it goes over the remains of the Gelten glacier towards Arpelistock. The landscape now becomes truly high alpine—no more trees grow, the surroundings are rocky and rugged. The route leads over the ridge to the summit of Arpelistock at 3035 m above sea level. The flat summit marks the border between the cantons of Bern and Wallis and offers a wonderful panorama of the Alps.

The descent leads via the Rot- and Furggetäli back to the Geltenhütte, then along the ascent track to Lauenensee and following the summer road back to Lauenen.

  • Approach

    The Gstaad holiday region is located in the southwest of Switzerland right on the border to the French-speaking part of the country. The region is easily accessible by train or car from the Thun Lake region, the Geneva area, and the Gruyère region. Direct connections to the European high-speed train network and all international airports in Switzerland guarantee a time-saving and comfortable arrival. The main means of transport in Gstaad are the "MOB" train (Montreux-Oberland Bernois) and numerous post bus lines.

    Lauenen is reachable from Gstaad by post bus; those traveling by car will find a large parking lot at the Lauenen ski lift.

  • Post bus to Lauenen near Gstaad, Geltenhorn

  • Parking lot Ski lift Lauenen (paid)

  • Lauenen – Geltenhütte – Arpelistock
    • For route selection and assessment of your own experience, performance, and alpine dangers in ascent and descent in alpine terrain, each individual is responsible.
    • Carefully plan every mountain tour and adapt it to your condition as well as to the weather and season.
    • The weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Therefore, bring suitable clothing, sufficient provisions, and water. Turn back in time if the weather is uncertain.
    • Inform others about the route and if possible never go alone.
    • Walking on ski slopes is prohibited.
    • Show consideration for other hikers as well as plants and animals.
    • Pay attention to warning signs that point out the constant danger in the riverbed and on the banks of watercourses below reservoirs and water intakes.

  • Our recommendation

    • ski touring equipment: ski touring boots, touring skis with free heel bindings, ski poles, skins, crampons
    • avalanche transceiver (LVS)
    • backpack, shovel, probe
    • warm, weatherproof clothing
    • warm gloves and hat
    • sunglasses and sunscreen
    • warm drinks
    • snacks (energy-rich food such as chocolate, dried fruits)

  • Tip for those who want to extend the route a little: stay overnight again in the Geltenhütte and ascend to Gelten- or Wildhorn the next day.

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  • Technique
  • Stamina
  • Experience
  • Landscape
  • Difficulty
Maximum altitude 3036 M
Minimum altitude 1238 M