Gleckstein: A Night Above Grindelwald
- Robert & Melinda Schoutens
- 24 hours ago
- 3 min read
Perched at an impressive 2317 m, you must work to arrive at this Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hut. Designated as a T3 level route, your journey is predominantly uphill on a white-red-white. Your efforts will be rewarded once at the hut, which promises to offer up stunning views of the Wetterhorn and Grindelwald with a family friendly atmosphere.
Book either a comfort room (maximum four people per room) or a space in a bunk bed room (Matrazenlager) and don‘t forget to pack your mandatory sleeping bag liner for your stay.
After a long hike, indulge in a delicious and well-deserved meal in the lively dining room. The hut keepers at Glecksteinhütte were remarkably friendly and very welcoming to children of all ages. Special note on children: If you plan to visit this location with your little ones, please make sure they have plenty of hiking experience, as this is a demanding route!
One of the most memorable aspects of this hut were the Ibex that made their appearance as the sun started to slowly descend for the day. Everyone from the dining room left their meals behind to witness these magnificent creatures playing and exploring the area around the hut. It was a moment not to be forgotten.
After a hearty breakfast, make your way slowly down the mountain, taking in the breathtaking views before you return to the touristy town of Grindelwald. What makes huts like these so special is their remote location, accessibility to pure nature, and the love of the environment by all those who visit.
The hut will open in 2025 on June 21st and advanced reservations are required. Please never show up to a hut expecting their to be space for overnight accommodations. Book early, as this hut is popular.
Directions:
From the parking lot (which is also where the Bus Stop is located), follow the trail markers up the road. The trail will deviate from the road and continue up until it splits. Follow the signs toward Glecksteinhütte. Once on the steep mountain trail, it is a single trail up the valley to the hut. Return in the direction in which you arrived.
Trail Markers:
Beim ober Gletscher - Glecksteinhütte SAC - Beim ober Gletscher
Tip:
If you have the skill and the time, it is recommended to hike to the viewpoint near the Oberer Grindelwaldgletscher using the lower white-blue-white (T4) trail. This can be seen on the map below. Use caution if you take this trail as there is a down climb using via ferrata rungs and rope hand-holds, which leads to a river crossing, and a narrow and wet ladder/stair climb.
Pro Tip:
Shower when you arrive, if you plan to do so. There is one shower at the hut, and everyone will want to shower before dinner which contributes to long waiting times.
Be Aware:
The hut is at 2,317 m, with a vertical gain of 1,200+m from the parking lot at Hotel Restaurant Wetterhorn.
The trail is narrow! This route is not recommended for those with vertigo. If hiking with children, use great caution!
There is a toilet at the Hotel Restaurant Wetterhorn and at Glecksteinhütte.
At the time we visited, the parking lot ticket machine would only accept coins!!! Bring plenty of coins with you. We usually keep 25 chf in coins, which usually is more than enough for parking overnight. You may be able to get change at Hotel Restaurant Wetterhorn.
Contact Details:
Glecksteinhütte SAC
Elev. 2,317 m
+ 41 (0) 33 853 1140
3818 Grindelwald
46.6252° N, 8.0965° E
Accommodation Overview:
Comfort rooms (4 beds) and Bunk bed rooms (Matrazenlager) available.
Shared bathrooms / Washrooms, Male & Female are separate.
Shower (5 chf)
Breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate. Vegetarian option available (state at the time of reserving your room).
Open June – October (summer)
Cash (preferred, in case of connection issues), Credit Cards, and Twint payments possible.
Map
Opmerkingen