Guided snowshoeing weekend in the UNESCO biosphere Entlebuch

The UNESCO Biosphere Reserve was recognised for its pre-alpine moorlands and its unique karst landscapes. Join us for a 2-day snowshoeing circle trail in this beautiful protected area, between the famous Bernese 4000s and the Schrattenfluh, staying a night at the charming Berggasthaus Salwideli.

This trip is led by Celine Kahn, mountain leader.

What’s the plan?

Saturday

We meet at Sörenberg, Rothornbahn bus stop at 09:00 to start our snowshoeing weekend tour in the idyllic landscape of the UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere. The mountain panorama of the Rothorn chain on one side and the Schrattenfluh on the other side are real highlights for nature enthusiasts. Our trail, starting with a long and gentle climb, first leads along the connecting slope, but soon opens up to the Alp Schlacht. We then continue to the Hinterschwarzenegg hut, before heading to Blattenegg, the highest point of our day at 1636m. The descent, steep at first and more gentle in the second part, offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains: Rothorn, Schrattenfluh, Tannhorn, and Hohgant. Dinner and night at the charming Berggasthaus Salwideli.

Sunday

After an energising breakfast at Salwideli, we get ready for this second exciting day hiking in the UNESCO Biosphere. Again, we start with a climb which will take us to the Chlus mountain hut located at 1774m above sea level, our highest point of the weekend. The Chlus hut, at the foot of the Böli, offers incredible views across the Brienzer Rothorn range and the Bernese Alps: the famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau; Schreckhorn and Finsteraarhorn – to name some of the imposing Alpine peaks in the background. After enjoying the panorama, we start our descent to Sörenberg along the Schrattenfluh and its impressive karst formations. The Schrattenfluh is one of Switzerland’s most unspoilt karst landscapes and is the best-known karst formation of the UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch. After a scenic descent through a pine and spruce forest, our trail leads us to Alp Schlund where we can get a hot drink. Once warmed up, we continue our descent in a more open area, all the way to Sörenberg. Return to Sörenberg around 16:00 so you can catch a bus from Sörenberg, Hirsegg to go home.

Technical information

Saturday

Distance: 8km
Ascent: 450m
Descent: 300m

Sunday

Distance: 10km
Ascent: 500m
Descent: 800m

Please note that the actual distances might vary depending on the snow conditions.

Requirements

To join this snowshoeing event, you need to be a fit hiker. No previous snowshoeing experience needed.

Insurance

It is the participant’s responsibility to get health and accident insurances that cover mountain rescue. Becoming a Rega patron is highly recommended (CHF 40 per year only for emergency medical assistance from the air).

How to get there?

If you are traveling from Zurich by public transport, we recommend you to take the following:

-Zurich HB 07:10 – 09:03 Sörenberg, Rothornbahn (via Luzern, Schüpfheim & Sörenberg, Post)

-Sörenberg, Hirsegg 16:59 – 18:50 Zurich HB – (via Schüpfheim & Luzern) depending on the time the event finishe

Kit list

Day Clothing Essentials

-Winter hiking boots
-Base layers
-Hiking or skiing trousers
-Fleece
-Down jacket
-Waterproof jacket
-Sun hat
-Sunglasses
-Warm hat
-Buff
-Thin gloves
-Thick gloves

Night Essentials

-Lightweight towel
-Headlamp with spare batteries
-Earplugs

Technical gear

-Hiking backpack (30-40L)
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Waterproof inner bags or bin bags
-Snowshoes and poles (can be rented out – see “Equipment rental” section)
-Avalanche set: transceiver, probe and shovel (can be rented out – see “Equipment rental” section)

F&B

-Water
-Thermal bottle for tea
-Snacks
-Packed lunches

Pharmacy

-Sunscreen and lip protector
-Compeed®
-Plasters and basic medicine
-Face mask and hand disinfectant
-Toilet paper

Equipment rental

You have the possibility to rent the following equipment, directly from the guide:

-Snowshoes and poles: CHF 30
-Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe: CHF 50

Pricing

The price for this event is CHF 300.

Included in price

-2 days of guided snowshoeing with a mountain leader in a small group
-1 night of accommodation in a Berggasthaus (shared rooms)
-Bedding
-Dinner on Saturday
-Breakfast + Marschtee on Sunday

Not included in price

-Transport
-Packed lunches
-Drinks & snacks
-Equipment rental

Group size

-Min. 4 participants
-Max. 7 participants