Glacier hike from Bächlital to Gauli
Somewhat away from the hustle and bustle of the high mountains, we find peace and beauty in a grandiose mountain scenery. Shortly before the Grimsel Pass we turn west and enter the Bächli valley - a valley that was once glaciated and now has a lot to offer. Over the obere Bächlilücke we change to the Gauli - a region that is unique. Unique because it is not easily accessible and therefore has preserved its wild beauty. A glacier hike with a lot of landscape and not so much glacier anymore.
Tour Details
Private Tour
| 1-3 people | CHF 2780 per group |
| 4-6 people | CHF 695 per person |
To book a private tour please contact us:
| Day | Elevation + | Elevation - | Kilometers | Walking time |
| 1 | 650m | 50m | 4.5km | approx. 3 hours |
| 2 | 1150m | 1250m | 10.5km | approx. 5-6 hours |
| 3 | 150m | 1500m | 8km | approx 5-6 hours |
Day 1: Ascent from Rätrichsbodensee to Bächlitalhütte 2328m
We meet at the Rätrichsbodensee and first cross its dam wall. Then the path zigzags relatively steeply up to the Bächlisboden - a large alluvial plain. Now we know where the Bächlital got its name: Countless little streams - called "Bächli" in Swiss German - meander through the area. If you like, you can take a little dip here. Once we reach the end of the plain, there is another short climb to our destination for the day. We fortify ourselves for the next day with a delicious piece of hut cake.
Day 2: Via Obere Bächlilücke to Gauli
Our tour starts early in the morning. Until we reach the Bächli glacier, which is retreating further and further into the valley due to the retreat of the glacier, our path leads over scree. Then we put the crampons on and rope up to cross the glacier. We reach the "obere Bächlilücke" via a few ladders, because here too the glacier ice no longer reaches up to the gap. Even though we are not standing on a summit, it almost feels like one - the view is fantastic! After a little refreshment from our backpack, we descend over the Hiendertellti glacier to its end. We continue over hill and dale to the Gaulisee, where the brave ones go for a swim in the ice-cold glacier water. After a short counter ascent we finally reach the Gaulihütte at 2205m. In the evening we review today's experiences over a glass of wine.
Day 3: Descent into the Urbach Valley
Early in the morning we again enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Today we descend into the Urbach Valley. First we go up, then down and past the Tälligrat, before the trail descends more steeply to the river. We cross it and follow the path to "Schrätteren", where the paths of the Gauli and Dossen huts meet. We continue to wind our way down along the mountain to the valley floor. Now the terrain becomes somewhat flatter and we hike to Mürvorsess. From here we can continue on foot or we can order a taxi to take us to Innertkirchen. A wonderful tour, which we will remember for a long time, comes to an end.
| Season | July - September |
| Departures for private tours | Private tours can be booked daily |
| Meeting point | 11:30am Rätrichsbodensee at the Grimselpass road |
- Guiding from a licenced mountain guide/ aspirant guide
- Expenses and 2 overnights for the mountain guide
- Hut reservation
- Your expenses
- 2 nights in bunk room with half-board and tea for the next day
- Snacks
- Rental equipment
- Costs for cable cars
- Costs for a taxi if needed (guests pay for the guides share)
Backpack
- 30-35l
Clothing
- Warm, functional clothing
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- Mountaineering or hiking pants
- Sunhat
- Gloves
- Beanie or headband
- Extra underwear and socks
Footwear
- Stiff hiking boots or crampon proof mountaineering boots
The basics
- Sunglasses (category 3 or 4)
- Sunscreen lotion and lip balm (minimum factor 30, 50 better)
- Thermos flask, drink bottle
- Silk sleeping bag liner
- Headlamp
- Toiletries
- SAC/DAV permit (if you have one)
- GA or Half Fare Travelcard (if you have)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Technical Equipment
- Harness
- Crampons with anti-snow plates
- Hiking poles
General Information for Mountaineering School
Our team is here for you. If you have any questions, please contact us or visit us in our shop in Grindelwald. We are happy to help!
OUTDOOR - Mountaineering School Grindelwald
Dorfstrasse 103
3818 Grindelwald
Switzerland
Trip status for group courses
1-2 days before your tour or course we will review the weather forecast and conditions with the mountain guide to determine if we can operate. We will contact you by phone with an update.
Minimum of participants (group tours)
As soon as the minimum number of participants is reached, we will send you a confirmation by email.
Cancellation
If we have to cancel your tour, you have the option to reschedule to a new date, or you will receive a full refund.
Equipment
Please refer to the equipment list for your tour or course. At our shop in Grindelwald, you can purchase technical equipment, mountain clothing, shoes, and backpacks. We also have technical equipment available for rent.
Clothing
Choose functional clothing that is moisture-wicking and quick-drying. Dress in layers so you can easily react to temperature changes. The range at our shop in Grindelwald is tailored to mountain tours and our expert staff are happy to advise you on the best clothing for your tour or course.
Lunch
Lunch is not included in the offer. We recommend bringing bars, dried fruits, nuts, or a sandwich. The amount you will need to drink depends on your individual needs and the length of the tour. We recommend .75 -1.5 liters of water, warm tea, isotonic drinks, or whatever you prefer. We also recommend that you hydrate enough the day before, so your body is well prepared for the tour.
Huts
A mountain hut is not a hotel. Running water is not guaranteed and electricity is not available everywhere, so it is not always possible to charge batteries or phones. If you have special dietary needs, please inform us in advance so we can make arrangements with the hut.
Safety
Our tours and courses are led by IVBV certified mountain guides or mountain guide aspirants. We prioritise your safety by requiring regular training to ensure our guides have relevant, up to date knowledge. Outdoor is certified by the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and our safety and emergency concepts are audited by this organization annually.
General terms of contract
Our General Terms and Conditions apply.