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ROUTE 3

Engstlenalp (1834m) – Tannenalp (1974m) – Melchsee-Frutt (1902m)

Start	Engstlenalp (1834m)
Distance	7km (one way)
Height gain	140m
Height loss	72m
Grade	1–2
Time	1½–2hrs
Location	West of Engstlenalp
Accommodation	There’s no shortage of accommodation, including dormitory beds, although some of the hotels are at the upper end of the price scale. For current details visit www.melchsee-frutt.ch.

This popular walk is not too demanding, but visually delightful. It begins by using the initial section of Route 2, then crosses the northwestern wall of the Gental to enter a high, gently sloping pastureland that leads down to the small resort of Melchsee-Frutt. Down there the valley has patches of limestone pavement and a rich alpine flora. There are two lakes in the pastureland, and the small alp village of Tannenalp. A choice of routes will return you to Engstlenalp.

From Hotel Engstlenalp wander along the path round the western edge of the alp, then veer westward on a clear trail (as for Route 2) which soon takes you across a stream below a cascade. Soon after this the path forks and you take the right branch rising steadily southwestward now with views along the Gental. On a rising traverse below cliffs that wall the valley, the path brings you above them onto a grassy crest with fine views, and over this to descend slightly towards Tannenalp after about 1hr. Refreshments can be had here.

The Wetterhorn can be seen quite clearly from Engstlenalp

From Tannenalp bear left along a narrow road, and on coming to the Tannensee, pass round either side of the lake; path to the left, roadway to the right. Continue downvalley, so to reach Melchsee-Frutt where there’s accommodation, refreshments and shops. The lakes of Tannensee and Melchsee lie in the geographical heart of Switzerland, and the pastoral basin in which they are set is very popular with walkers.

To return to Engstlenalp either reverse your outward route (2hrs), or head south from the lake at Melchsee and climb up to Balmeregghorn (2255m) following the line of a cableway. Once on the ridge between the Gental and Melchsee bear left and follow the ridgepath to Tannensee, where you can re-join the outward route back to Engstlenalp.

Other routes from Engstlenalp

 One of the classic walks from here is along the path to the Joch Pass (2207m) in about 1hr 10mins. It is a busy path and somewhat devalued by the close proximity of the chairlift. That being said, it is still a fine walk, with the possibility of extending it all the way to Engelberg – a walk of about 4hrs from Engstlenalp.

 Another good route, somewhat strenuous but rewarding, is that which crosses the ridge of the Tällistock – the mountain wall dividing the Gental from the Gadmental – and descends to the village of Gadmen on the far side. This is a walk of a little over 5hrs, with the option of breaking it with an overnight stay in the Tälli Hut.

 A Grade 3 extension to Route 3 leads across the Balmeregghorn to Planplatten and Meiringen in 6½hrs. From Engstlenalp to Tannenalp the route is the same as in Route 3, but thereafter the ridge dividing the two valleys is gained and followed southwestward across the slopes of Ezegg, then over the Balmeregghorn to Planplatten (2245m) where you have a choice of continuing routes to Meiringen. One option involves taking the Eagle Express gondola to Mägisalp and down to Meiringen.