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ROUTE 2

Engstlenalp (1834m) – Hinderarni (1459m) – Reuti (1061m) – Meiringen (595m)

Start	Engstlenalp (1834m)
Distance	16km
Height gain	87m
Height loss	1239m
Grade	3
Time	4½–5hrs
Location	Northeast of Innertkirchen

This is a high-level route that follows a belvedere course along a hillside above the Gental, and is used on the classic Alpine Pass Route. There’s nothing particularly difficult about the walk, save for its length, and it is the distance, rather than severity, that rates it Grade 3. All along the high path there are fine views to enjoy. There are features in the valley below to study from a distance, and the all-absorbing scene ahead of Oberland peaks growing larger and more prominent by the minute. By the time you reach Hasliberg-Reuti, you will have a fresh respect for this stunning landscape. From Reuti there is a steep descent through forest to Meiringen, although there is the option of cablecar for those who prefer it.

With no refreshment possibilities between Engstlenalp and Reuti (other than fresh water at Underbalm), make sure to fill water bottles before setting out, and carry a packed lunch.

Facing the Gental with your back to Hotel Engstlenalp, take the path heading to the right (northwest) signed to Hasliberg and Melchsee which leads past the haybarns and farm buildings, then swings westward over a stream. When it forks ignore the upper branch which leads to the Tannensee and Melchsee-Frutt, but continue ahead on a lovely balcony path. This is a delight of long views to the Wetterhorn, of wild flowers and shrubs. It’s not a well-walked path, so there is a good chance you will be able to enjoy a certain amount of solitude. In places narrow and a little exposed (though never dangerously so), in 1hr from Engstlenalp the path brings you to the handful of buildings of Baumgarten (1702m), which has a narrow farm road leading down to the valley. Walk along this road for about 200m, then resume on a footpath at the first bend.

The alp of Hinderarni is visited on the high trail to Meiringen

Hasliberg-Reuti is expanding from a small village into a sunny resort 400m above the Haslital. Linked by cablecar with Meiringen, another cable lift extends to Bidmi and Mägisalp, where a gondola continues up to Planplatten at 2245m for some fine walks options. Accommodation can be had at Hotel Reuti (beds & dorm places, Tel 033 972 53 00), Hotel Viktoria (beds & dorm places, (Tel 033 972 30 72) and Pension Alpenblick (B&B Tel 033 971 14 25).

On reaching the solitary farm of Underbalm (1551m) you can refill water bottles from a spring-fed pipe. The way leads on to Hinderarni (1459m; 2hrs 10mins) and another dirt road. To the east big snow peaks crowd the horizon above the unseen Susten Pass. The way now curves to the right above the Haslital, through patches of forest and out between pastures again. Losing height wander past a few farms and chalets and come to Reuti (1061m accommodation, refreshments) about 1¼hrs from Hinderarni.

At the entrance to Reuti signposts direct the continuing path across pastures, then into forest where the route becomes steep on the sharp descent to Meiringen which it reaches not far from the cablecar station about 1hr from Reuti.