Day hike from the Räterichsbodensee (near the Grimsel Pass) to the Bächlitalhütte SAC
The starting point is easily accessible with both car and public transit
The ascent and descent take the same path; there is only one officially marked path which leads to the Bächlitalhütte
If we were to do this hike again, we’d go when the ground would be dry. While the hike itself isn’t very dangerous, most of the hike is on smooth rocks which can make the path quite slippery when wet.
The dam at the end of the Räterichsbodensee. There is both a parking lot as well as the PostAuto stop right beside this dam. The path that leads to the Bächlitalhütte more or less goes straight up the side of the valley at the end of the dam.
A view back down to the Räterichsbodensee. The alproses are still in full bloom.
The clouds are a little unpredictable today. Regardless though, the intermittent periods of clear skies offer some great views down the valley.
This gives a fairly good idea of what most of the path up to the Bächlisboden glacial runoff plain looks like. Most of the path is quite narrow and largely consists of these sorts of stone steps.
A final view of the valley which leads up to the Grimsel Pass. The Räterichsbodensee is hiding beneath the clouds.
Turning 180° from where the previous picture was taken, we now have our first view into the Bächlital. Luckily, the clouds are still fairly low and haven't yet made their way into this side valley as a result.
Making our way up the first part of the Bächlital. The path here is a lot less steep compared to the first part of the hike.
The path is very well marked and is generally unproblematic.
Our first view of the Bächlisboden glacial flood plain as well as the Bächlitalhütte SAC (perched up on the right-hand-side of the valley at the end of the plain). The majority of the path leading to the hut hugs the right side of the valley.
Making our way along the right-hand side of the valley towards the Bächlitalhütte. This is the first part of the hike that wasn't quite as clearly marked as the rest. With that being said, there's only really one way you can go so it's not a big problem.
Only one more short ascent to go until we've reached the hut.
A quick look back down from where we've come from. The clouds are now slowly starting to creep into the Bächlital.
This portion of the path is again very well marked. Similar to the first portion of the hike, the path consists mostly of stacked rocks (almost like stair steps) which makes the ascent pretty enjoyable.
After a relaxing coffee on the patio, we decided to make our way further up the Bächlital a little. We didn't really have a clear goal in mind, but we were curious if we'd get a break in the clouds further up the valley.
A really beautiful path.
The Bächligletscher at the end of the valley. We have it to thank for this absolutely spectacular valley.
You often find moss campion in these rocky terrains where you wouldn't imaging anything would be capable of growing. Nature is truly amazing.
After not having any luck with the clearing cloud cover, we decided to make our way back to the hut and return back to the Räterichsbodensee.
The view from the patio of the Bächlitalhütte is really pretty spectacular. These sorts of braided river systems are typical to find in the mountains close to the melt of a glacier.
And now back at the plain, back in rolls the fog. At least we were lucky enough to have an incredible view over the valley from our vantage point at the hut.
This was the majority of the view for the way down. Not much to see, but still an enjoyable descent. As mentioned before though, watch out for moss covered rocks on the way down as some of them were quite slippery due to the fog (Bruno wiped out once on a large flat mossy rock on the descent).
Back at the Räterichsbodensee. It's a bit of a shame that the weather didn't want to cooperate for the latter part of the day, but overall the hike was an absolute blast. This is definitely one we'll have to do again once in the future on a clearer day.
