ViaBerna

There are over 1100 metres of altitude difference to tackle to reach the ridge of the Planplatten. At first, the trail climbs uphill across meadows and past mountain farms. You cross the first section of forest and reach Alp Gummen. Up to this point, you walk partly on the Muggestutzweg, a theme trail for children. You continue on an alpine road until you reach the Obere Stafel alp. During the summer season, there are herds of suckler cows in this area and up to the ridge which you finally reach on a steep, narrow mountain path. If you prefer a more comfortable route, you can take the cable car up to this level.

The long-range view of the mountains on the other side of the valley becomes ever more impressive: the Wetterhorn, the Rosenhorn, the Ritzlihoren and other peaks line up next to each other. Towards the west, the view sweeps along the straightened course of the Aare towards lake Brienz. Now the path winds through the steep mountain flanks and flower meadows below the Rotnollen and Rothorn peaks.

After the ascent to the Balmeregghoren, the trail continues steadily downhill over a ridge with views into the Engstligen valley, and on the other side, to the mountain lakes of the Melchsee-Frutt plateau. A small road leads from the dammed Tannensee to Tannalp. Via Geisstritt, the trail descends to the Spycherflüö on an exposed path secured with ropes. The venerable Hotel Engstlenalp, which has been accommodating guests since 1892, is located in the middle of an alpine settlement. A walk to the nearby Engstlen lake is worth the effort.