Blüemlisalphütte

The Blüemlisalp SAC hut is situated at 2840 m just above the Hohtürli, the pass between Kandersteg and the Kiental, in the Bernese Oberland. The hut belongs to the SAC Blüemlisalp section and stands on the edge of the Jungfrau-Aletsch-Unesco World Heritage Site, with sweeping views over Lake Oeschinen, Lake Thun and the Blüemlisalp group. It is usually open from mid-June to mid-October; outside of this period, a simple winter room is open. The Blüemlisalphütte is a classic base for high-altitude tours on the Blüemlisalphorn, Morgenhorn and Wyssi Frau and is also a stage stop on the Via Alpina and the Bärentrek between Kandersteg and Griesalp. In the morning there is a rich breakfast buffet, during the day simple hot and cold dishes are served, including various rösti, cheese slices, soups and homemade cakes, in the evening a three-course menu; vegetarian options are possible by prior arrangement. The approach is either from Kandersteg via Oeschinensee and the Bärgli to Hohtürli or from Griesalp in Kiental via Bundalp; both options are long mountain hikes with well over 1000 meters of altitude. The hut is mainly used by mountaineers, ambitious hikers and long-distance hikers, but in stable summer weather it is also suitable as a destination for sure-footed families with older children. Due to the length of the approaches, the altitude and the glaciated surroundings, careful tour planning is important; current conditions, any closures and the weather forecast should always be checked before setting off. The origins of the hut date back to the 19th century, when the first simple shelter was built in 1875 in the Frauenbalm below the Hohtürli; after several extensions and new buildings, today's Blüemlisalphütte was built slightly above the pass in 1947 and later modernized several times.