Skip to main content

Stufenstein - a garden in a stony wilderness

Hut with a grandiose panorama: Alp Stufenstein in the rear Lauterbrunnen Valley

Lauterbrunnen Tourismus
CH - 3822 Lauterbrunnen
+41 33 856 85 68
lauterbrunnen.swiss
info@lauterbrunnen.swiss

The hike to Alp Stufenstein leads into a lonely world far from any hustle and bustle. The tour runs mostly off signposted hiking trails and is only suitable for sure-footed mountain walkers.

On the mountain hiking trail from Stechelberg to Trachsellauenen, a wooden sign at Staldenbach indicates the turnoff to Rottal. The route is considered a demanding alpine hiking trail, but the lower part offers no particular difficulties for experienced mountain hikers. The scenery is magnificent: the glacier-crowned rocky peaks of Grosshorn, Breithorn and Tschingelhorn arch above the Schmadribach. The narrow path leads steeply up to Altläger. Trails lead across the Schafbach stream to the huts of Alp Stufenstein. Their slopes resemble flower gardens in summer: Flowers of all colours and shapes shine and contrast magically with the peaks on the horizon. The cultivation of the steep terrain costs a lot of effort. This was rewarded in 2009 when the tenant couple received the cultural landscape award of the Oberland-Ost region. From Schafbach, the trail leads along a very steep forest path to Sichellauenen and from there along the hiking trail back to Stechelberg.

Difficulty
Difficult
Distance
6.13km
Duration
3 hours, 30 minutes
Ascent
700 vm
Descent
700 vm
Starting Point
Stechelberg
Ending Point
Stechelberg
Top Loop

Details

Difficulty
Difficult
Condition
Experience
Landscape
Altitude
1607m906m
Recommended season
  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

Author Tips

On the descent from Sichellauenen to Stechelberg, a detour to Trachsellauenen is recommended. From the terrace of the mountain inn you can enjoy an impressive view of the surrounding mountains and the Schmadribach waterfall.

Equipment

  • The sun's rays are particularly intense in the mountains. Sun cream with a high protection factor, a sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection should therefore be part of your luggage.
  • Even in summer and in good "starting weather", warm clothing and rain protection are part of the equipment. The onion principle with several layers of clothing is recommended.
  • Day hiking backpack with rain cover
  • Sturdy and comfortable shoes
  • Clothing adapted to the weather and hard-wearing (onion principle)
  • Charged mobile phone
  • Pocket pharmacy
  • Beverages and food
  • Pocket knife

Bergwandern.ch equipment

Safety Guidelines

  • Regularly check the location and compare it with the schedule. In this way, alternatives, shortcuts, demolition, etc. can be considered in good time.
  • In the event of bad weather, turn back in good time or seek shelter. If thunderclouds are gathering, it is advisable to abort the tour as soon as possible.
  • Do not leave the marked paths. Stay on the official hiking trails even if trails look like shortcuts. Some of these paths are not maintained and can end in a dead end.
  • Lost? Stay together as a group and return to the last known point. Wait for better visibility or call for help.
  • Plan enough time and energy reserves for the descent.
  • Slow down and take breaks.
  • Steep grass, scree and snow slopes are safer to tackle on the ascent than on the descent.
  • For the descent, choose the easier option or take the train down to the valley.
  • Avoid herds of cattle calmly and at a sufficient distance. Keep dogs on a leash.
  • In encounters with guard dogs, the following applies: Remain calm so that the dog realises that you are not a danger to the herd. Keep a generous distance from the herd.
  • Allow mountain bikers to pass without obstructing their ride unnecessarily.

Mountain Hiking Check

Directions

Starting Point

Stechelberg

Koordinates :

Geographic 46.545528 N 7.902415 E

Ending Point

Stechelberg

Getting There

Public transport

Thanks to its central location in Europe, Switzerland is served by international trains from over 12 countries. Within Switzerland, Intercity trains run from Basel and Lucerne directly to the Jungfrau Region. Travellers from Zurich change trains in Bern. The trains run every half hour.

LauterbrunnenThe journey on the blue and yellow Bernese Oberland Bahn (BOB) train from Interlaken Ost to Lauterbrunnen takes 20 minutes. We board the front part of the train, as it splits in Zweilütschinen. Those who get on at the back travel to Grindelwald. In Lauterbrunnen we take the bus to Stechelberg and ride to the Schilthornbahn station. 

Timetable & Ticket Shop SBB

Getting there

From Basel and Geneva, the fastest route to the Jungfrau Region is via Bern. From Zurich, the route via Lucerne and the Brünig Pass is recommended. The pass is open all year round.

From the south, travel to the Jungfrau Region via the Grimsel or Susten Pass. Both passes are only open in summer. An alternative is the Simplon Pass with subsequent car transport through the Lötschberg tunnel.

Arrival Lauterbrunnen

Parking

In Stechelberg there is a car park directly at the valley station of the Schilthorn cable car. There is a multi-storey car park below the station in Lauterbrunnen. Alternatively, the car park at the Lauterbrunnen church can be used. From here, a bus leaves for the station every half hour. On foot it takes about 10 minutes.

Stechelberg car park

Lauterbrunnen multi-storey car park

Lauterbrunnen Tourismus
CH - 3822 Lauterbrunnen
+41 33 856 85 68
lauterbrunnen.swiss
info@lauterbrunnen.swiss

Book your accommodation now!