Dossen-Gaulitrek (3 days)

A 3-day trek in the Bernese Oberland from Rosenlaui to Innertkirchen staying in two iconic mountain huts and passing through impressive landscapes formed by glaciers.

The first day of this trek is a T4 alpine trail (blue-white) on steep terrain involving cables and ladders and is partially very exposed (see for example this video). You have to be comfortable on this type of trail and do not suffer from vertigo.

In case of heavy rain, the hike will either have to be canceled or changed significantly as the ascent to the Dossenhütte will be too dangerous.

The hike is fully booked.

Itinerary

Optional: Thursday, July 31350m 0m 5km 3 hours
We take the train from Geneva to Aareschlucht (East) and walk through the gorge to its west entrance (~45 minutes). From there we continue to the top of the impressive Reichenbachfall where Sherlock Holmes fell to its death. People staying at Rosenlaui/Schwarzwaldalp can take the (last) 16:34 bus from Zwirgi. People staying in the valley can either take a bus, the cable car, a Monster-Trotti or walk back down to Meiringen.

You book your own accommodation for Thursday night (e.g. in Rosenlaui or Meiringen). On the next morning, we can meet at Rosenlaui around 10am to visit the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge before the other group from Geneva arrives.

Friday, Aug 1: 1300m 0m 5km 4 hours
From Rosenlaui we hike through a forest on a normal hiking path until we reach the intersection with the blue/white alpine trail to the Dossenhütte (2663m). With the help of ladders and cables we climb the steep rock face to the Rosenlaui bivouac. Following a rocky trail we arrive at the final ridge (secured by cables) leading us to the hut.

Saturday, Aug 2: 850m 1300m 9km 5 hours
We traverse to the Gaulihütte (2205m) today. Easier than yesterday but the first half is still on an alpine trail. Once we reach the Urbach valley we join a normal hiking path that ascends to the hut.

Sunday, Aug 3: 100m 1600m 13km 6 hours
On our last day we will explore the scenic Gauli glacier lake and then take the hiking path back to the Urbach valley. We either walk to Mürvorsess and take a taxi or walk another 1.5h to Innertkirchen.

Equipment

• Usual hiking equipment including rain gear, warm layer and gloves
• Hut sleeping bag (“sac à viande”) and toiletries
• Minimum one picnic for the first day + snacks (extra picnics can also be bought in huts)
• 50-100 CHF in cash for personal consumption at the huts (credit cards are not accepted in these huts).
  • Overnight costs are payed by me with your deposit and the remaining amount you pay me in cash/TWINT on the last day.
• Optional:
  • Demi-tarif and alpine club membership card if available
  • Bathing suit for the brave ones (there are several lakes on the way)
  • Sandals or flip-flops for the train ride can be comfy (otherwise huts provide slippers)
  • Thermos bottle (huts usually provide tea for the day in the morning)

Costs

• Buy your own train ticket
• Ski Club tax: 5 (15) CHF per day (for non-members)
• Huts (demi-pension):
  • Dossen: 94 CHF (79 CHF alpine club members), accommodation in dormitory
  • Gauli: 93 CHF (78 CHF alpine club members), +15 CHF for small room (4 beds)

Signup

• Hike leader: Frank Winklmeier (scig@winklmeier.name), Assistant: Maica Trabanco
• Sign-up via email with the following information:
  • Full name
  • Mobile phone number
  • Will you be a Ski Club (SCIG) member of the 2025/26 season (membership needs renewal after June 1st)?
  • Do you prefer a small room in the Gauli hut (+15 CHF)?
  • Are you an alpine club member (SAC, DAV, CAI or CSS health insurance)?
  • Do you have any dietary constraints for dinner at the huts?
  • Do you want to join for Thursday already? If not sure, you can let me know later.

To secure your spot a deposit of CHF 150 is required by Friday, 27 Jun 2025. Payment details will be communicated after sign-up.

Transport

• Thursday group: July 31 IC 1 8:35 Genève – 12:50 Aareschlucht Ost
• Friday group: Aug 1 IR 90 7:05 Genève – 11:52 Rosenlaui, Gletscherschlucht (via Meiringen)
  • Your hike leader and the Thursday group will meet you directly at the arrival of the Post bus in Rosenlaui.
• Return via train from Innertkirchen on Aug 3rd (every hour at :02)