A pleasant late autumn walk over the sea of fog. This is how we could characterize our recent trip to the Bernese Alps. At this time of year, many of us are eager to get above the fog and to gain some energy from the autumn sun rays. But many mountain lifts are closed after the summer season until winter season opens in December. We were glad to find out that in Elsigenalp, they decided to extend the autumn and from November 17th, the cable car from Elsigenbach to Elsigenalp is in operation every day from 9 am to 4 pm (until further notice).
Getting there
Elsigenalp is located in Berner Oberland. From Bern, you can get here by car in about an hour. Leave the A6/A8 motorway via the Spiez exit in the direction of “Kandersteg/Autoverlad”. Continue to Frutigen, then take the exit “Frutigen south” in the direction of Adelboden to Achseten. Follow the signpost “Elsigbach” in Achseten and turn left immediately after the second bridge to Elsigbach.
Then you will drive about two kilometers uphill on a narrow road full of serpentines. Free parking is available at the valley station of the cable car.
The return ticket is 18 francs for an adult (15 francs if you have Halb-fare Card), 10 francs for a child (kids with Junior Card have a free ride).
Our trail
After a very long time (or perhaps even the first time), we didn´t plan our trail beforehand. We just wanted to escape the depressing foggy weather in the lowland. We set out the route just after taking the map of the area at the ticket office.
Our route is marked in yellow. What is marked in red in the map are mostly asphalt roads, so they are according to my opinion suitable for strollers (although we didn´t see any).
Brandsee
As soon as we got off the cable car, our first steps led … to the wooden lounge chairs :O Because: “Mom, we are hungry!”
So when the kids ate their snacks, we set out for the first destination, Lake Brandsee. Unlike Oeschinensee or Blausee, this 7-meter deep pond is not natural but artificially created. In summer, you can also swim according to the map. I wonder what temperature the water has in the summer :O
Elsigsee
Then we wanted to set out to the other lake marked on the map. we made a shortcut through the pasture to get on the tarmac road. After two turns (a few meters behind a wooden cottage), we turned right to a narrow, stony path. I must say that for me personally, this was the prettiest part of our hike.
We were looking for another turquoise blue lake, but … instead, there was just a dip full of stones. Was that the consequences of global warming or this year’s lack of precipitation? I do not know, in any case, the look was interesting and encouraging to think.
I continued on the rocky path and passed a lot of barbecue places.
After several tens of meters, we once again joined the broad road and set off to the right in the direction of the signpost, which said that the Restaurant Elsighütte is only 5 minutes away. The restaurant was, unfortunately, closed but that did not prevent us from sitting on the benches, warming up in the sun and having a snack.
Then we headed on the tarmac road back down in the direction of the cable car station.
Berghaus Elsigenalp
After a few minutes, we reached the Berghaus Elsigenalp. This was – unlike the previous one and to the great relief for our children – open 🙂
When we went back to the cable car station, we could see how lucky we were – we could see the sea of fog spreading over the valley.
Summary
With a cozy restaurant and a short, easy loop trail is the Elsigenalp a great choice for families. The sun will definitely brighten your spirits but still, wear warm layers (during our trip the temperature was 3 degrees). We are looking forward to trying out the local ski slopes in winter!
And what about you? Do you know about any other place where the cable car is still in operation even in November? Send me your comments! And do not forget to save this hiking tip! Thank you 🙂
