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Winter crossing of the Grimsel Pass

Winter Hiking · Obergoms · closed

Responsible for this content
Obergoms Tourismus AG

/ Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe, Grimsel pass
Photo: @claudschgi.ch, CC BY, Obergoms Tourismus AG
/ Toboggan run / winter hiking trail Grimsel pass
Photo: @claudschgi.ch, CC BY, Obergoms Tourismus AG
/ Grimsel Shuttle from Oberwald to Grimsel Pass
Photo: @claudschgi.ch, CC BY, Obergoms Tourismus AG
/ The white summits of the Gärstenhörner and the Galenstock
Photo: Regula Gemmet, Obergoms Tourismus AG
/ View from the Grimsel Pass into the Rhone Valley
Photo: Regula Gemmet, Obergoms Tourismus AG
/ Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe
Photo: Regula Gemmet, Obergoms Tourismus AG
/ Cosy restaurant Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe
Photo: Regula Gemmet, Obergoms Tourismus AG

For the first time in the history of the Grimsel Pass, it is possible for Valaisans and Bernese to shake hands on the fairytale snow-covered top of the mountain pass thanks to a winter hiking trail that crosses the borders of the cantons.

closed

difficult

18.4 km

6:30 h

886 m

555 m

In winter high up into the untouched landscape of the Grimsel Pass? Let's get going!

Depending on meteorological conditions, the winter hiking trail is prepared from the end of December to the end of March. During this period, the Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe is from thursdays to sundays (16.00 h) an ideal place to stop for a refreshing break. Strengthen yourself at the warm fireplace or in the wind-protected chalet on the sun terrace with delicacies from the good kitchen.

For those who prefer not to walk through the snow from Oberwald to the Grimsel Pass, book a seat on the Grimsel Shuttle (operating hours Thursday to Sunday). The snow groomer with a passenger cabin of 10 seats takes you comfortably to the breathtaking winter oasis at 2163 MüM.

From the Grimsel pass summit you follow the Ratrack track along the snow-covered pass road in about 2 - 2.5 hours in the direction of Gerstenegg, where a cable car operated by Kraftwerke Oberhasli AG takes you to Handegg (reservation required the day before). The onward journey from here by taxi or private vehicle to Innertkirchen is also possible during the winter months.

Or how about an unforgettable sledge ride back to Oberwald? Reserve your toboggan in advance online and enjoy a unique descent into the young Rhone Valley.

LATEST INFORMATION - 25.01.2021

Due to the current measures (Corona) the Hotel Restaurant Grimsel Passhöhe will be closed during the whole winter season 2020/21.

The tobogganing and winter hiking trail will be prepared as far as Läger or even Engi, if conditions permit. Information on this can be found on the winter sports report.

Author’s recommendation

Grimsel Shuttle: Convenient transport by Pisten-Bully to the Grimsel Pass
Experience-oriented guest care with the snow sports instructor team of Damian Hischer
Unforgettable toboggan run from Grimselpass to Oberwald with the toboggan

Author

Regula Gemmet

Updated: February 09, 2021

Difficulty

difficult

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

Chrizegge, 2,234 m

Lowest point

Oberwald, Dorf, 1,369 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Rest Stop

Hotel Restaurant Rhonequelle
Hotel Restaurant Grimsel Passhöhe

Safety information

The use of the winter hiking trails to the Grimsel pass is at your own risk. Obergoms Tourismus AG disclaims all liability and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information on this website.

Take a map with you or download the complete description of the route with a large-scale map. Use only signposted paths and observe all markings and signs - for your own safety, for the protection of the landscape and in respect for wildlife. Be considerate of other users. Take your rubbish and that of others with you.

Weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly and without warning. Adequate clothing and provisions (food and drink) are very important. If the weather is unstable, it is better to turn around early. Carry additional sun protection with you. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, especially in winter, even when the sky is overcast.

Plan your tour carefully and in detail. Inform yourself in advance about the current conditions (avalanche danger, cross-country ski runs, winter hiking trails, snow trails and road conditions) and weather conditions. The winter sports report provides you with valuable information from the region.

Tips, hints and links

Information and reservation at www.obergoms.ch/erlebnisgrimselpass
Hotel Grimsel Passhöhe
Reservation gondola ride Gerstenegg-Handeck: The transport capacity of the Gersteneggbahn is limited. Please reserve your ticket in advance at www.grimselwelt.ch/bahnen by 16:00 hrs the day before at the latest.
Winter sports report at www.obergoms.ch/wintersportbericht
Telephone number of rescue service: 144
Avalanche bulletin and snow situation at www.slf.ch

Start

Oberwald, village (1,369 m)

Coordinates:

DD

46.534653, 8.349018

DMS

46°32'04.8"N 8°20'56.5"E

UTM

32T 450080 5153659

w3w

///will.wrenching.inventors

Destination

Guttannen, Gerstenegg

Turn-by-turn directions

Oberwald, Dorf - Fure - Stapfe - Oberwald, Rhonequelle - Hoflüe - Läger - Grimselbode - Sattelti - Nassbode - Chrizegge - Grimsel, Passhöhe

Grimsel, Passhöhe - Merlen - Obri Tolen - Undri Tolen - Grimsel, Staumauer - Grimsel, Summerloch - Geissgufer - Räterichsboden - Guttannen, Gerstenegg

Note: From the Grimsel pass follow the Ratrack lane along the pass road in the direction of Gerstenegg.

Note

all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Public transport friendly

The regional trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway take you from Brig to Oberwald in 1h 23 min. The Goms valley is also easily accessible from the Zurich / Lucerne via Andermatt and the Furka base tunnel. The timetables for all trains can be found at www.sbb.ch.

Getting there

From Brig follow cantonal road No 19 (Furkastrasse) for 40km to Oberwald. The Goms valley is also easily accessible from direction Zurich / Lucerne via Andermatt – car transport Furka. The Alpine passes Furka, Grimsel and Nufenen are closed in winter.

The timetables for the car transport Furka can be found at www.matterhorngotthardbahn.ch

Parking

Parking spaces are available in the vicinity of the railway station or in the village of Oberwald. Follow the local parking guidance system.

Coordinates

DD

46.534653, 8.349018

DMS

46°32'04.8"N 8°20'56.5"E

UTM

32T 450080 5153659

w3w

///will.wrenching.inventors

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

You will find the following brochures in the tourist information offices, at the sales points of the Loipe Goms as well as in most hotels and restaurants in Obergoms:

Winter map of Obergoms with cross country trail plan
Holiday companion

Author’s map recommendations

National maps 1:25'000 Swisstopo: 1250 Ulrichen / 1230 Guttannen

Equipment

We recommend good snowshoes:

Good footwear and sturdy poles
Detailed map or information material with good tour preparation
Weatherproof (waterproof and windproof) warm clothing and headgear
Sunglasses
Good sun protection, even in cloudy weather. UV rays at high altitudes can be very strong, especially in winter.
Provisions for your day in the great outdoors
Helmet for the sledge run