Welcome water stop near Büelberg on the descent from the Hahnenmoos Pass
| Start | Adelboden (1353m) |
| Distance | 13km |
| Height gain | 603m |
| Height loss | 888m |
| Grade | 2 |
| Time | 4½hrs |
| Location | Southwest of Adelboden |
The Hahnemoos Pass is an ancient crossing between the valleys of Lenk (the Ober Simmental) and Engstligental. It was the site of a local festival held centuries ago; a broad grassy saddle where villagers from both valleys used to meet to take part in trade and compete in athletic contests, but as a result of an epidemic which killed hundreds of Adelboden’s inhabitants, the pass was closed for a while in 1669. Nowadays it is again a popular place in winter as well as summer, thanks to its ease of access. This is by far the simplest route across the mountains to Lenk, and for much of the way it follows quiet surfaced roads among pastureland. The route to the pass is straightforward, wandering through the gentle Geilsbach (or Gilbach) valley, while views on the descent from the saddle are beautiful.
Descend from the centre of the village to the Silleren gondola lift, then walk through the car park to a path which takes you upvalley alongside the Allebach stream. At the first bridge cross to the north bank, turn left on a crossing path and follow this until it reaches a second bridge. Cross back to the south bank and resume upvalley on a raised path. About 25mins from the gondola station come to a confluence of streams where the Geilsbach joins the Allebach. Here you cross the Geilsbach, then turn left on a broad stony path, but before long cross to the left-hand side and continue upstream.
Come to a narrow service road about 40mins from the start. Turn left, then shortly after bear right along a narrow farm road. When it curves left keep ahead on a woodland path, then cross the Geilsbach once more to Bergläger, the Silleren gondola lift’s middle station. A narrow road now takes the route upvalley for about 10mins, but when it makes a right-hand hairpin, you recross the Geilsbach by footbridge and resume on a path through woods. Beyond the woods open pastures lead directly to Geilsbüel (1707m; 1½hrs; accommodation, refreshments) where there’s a gondola lift to the Hahnenmoos Pass.
A minor paved road leads you past the gondola station and up the hillside towards the pass. Footpath shortcuts can be taken, and about 40mins from Geilsbüel you come onto the busy saddle of the Hahnenmoos Pass (1956m) about 2½hrs from Adelboden.
A brief diversion from the Hahnenmoos Pass is worth considering. A path goes along the ridge to the left of the pass, and in 40mins arrives at an unnamed saddle, formerly known as the Pommernpass (2055m). Above the saddle to the south rises the 2193m Regenboldshorn. A 15min ascent of this minor summit (there’s a path), brings you onto a splendid vantage point. Allow 1½–2hrs for a there-and-back diversion.
Accommodation and refreshments are available here at the large Berghotel Hahnenmoospass (Tel 033 673 21 41). The panorama is excellent, with the Wildstrubel dominating, but as you descend towards Lenk, new views of a lush green landscape hold your attention.
Welcome water stop near Büelberg on the descent from the Hahnenmoos Pass
Bear right onto a track easing across the hillside in a gentle descent, and about 30mins later you come to the Büelberg restaurant, which has a postbus service down to Lenk. The walker’s route, however, turns right alongside the restaurant, then takes a signed path which descends a grass hillside towards Lenk, now seen below. Join the road at Brandegg, but after passing a number of houses, go along a track on the right which leads to a farm. Beyond this a path takes you down the final slope to Lenk. (See the Ober Simmental chapter for details of accommodation and other facilities here.)