It’s a short but exciting hike through the Cholerenschlucht, a narrow river gorge with metal walkways and stairs built into the rocks walls. Lots of waterfalls and rushing water to admire along the way. At the lower end of the gorge, there is a small pool called the “Fountain of Youth” where you can cool off on hot days. The rest of the hike is a quiet wander with mountain views. This is a nice add-on to other activities you might be doing in the area.
| Region: | Adelboden, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland |
| Car: | Parking on Adelbodenstrasse at 46°31’16.8″N 7°35’21.3″E From Adelboden 7 mins • Interlaken 40mins • Bern 50mins • Zürich 2hr |
| Transit: | Bus stop: Achseten, Tregel From Adelboden 13 mins • Interlaken 1hr20 • Bern 1hr10 • Zürich 2hr20 |
| Trail: | 2.5 km loop, about 45 mins |
| Elevation: | highest point 1180m |
| Technical skill: | moderate, some steep narrow footpaths, metal walkways with stairs, no strollers |
| Stamina: | mild, 110m up/down |
| Services: | none |
| Cost: | free |
| Open: | June to October |
| More info: | adelboden.ch • webcams • weather |
Location
Engstligenalp is part of the Adelboden mountain resort area, located southwest of Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland (see on Google Maps). This area is easily accessible by car or train. This trail is reached with the Engstligenalp cable car.
Near the parking, you’ll see this map of the area. The gorge is on the top left part of the loop. The loop is only 100m, so a very small part of the total hike. The parking and bus are on the lower left.
Trail map
Here is the trail map for the Cholerenschlucht loop trail.
See trail map on SchweizMobil • Komoot • OutdoorActive
Getting there
By car: Drive to Adelbodenstrasse at 46°31’16.8″N 7°35’21.3″E and park in the small dirt parking area on the side of the road with the Cholorenschlucht sign.
By public transport: Take a bus to Achseten, Tregel. See SBB.ch for current train and bus schedule.
When to visit
The gorge is best June to October. They recommend not entering the gorge after heavy rain or with snow, as it can be dangerous.
Where to eat
Above the gorge, there is a wood carving shop that sells ice cream (see on map). We also passed a self-service cheese fridge next to a farm. But no other services, no toilets.
What to wear & bring
Even on a warm day, it can be cold and wet inside the gorge. So you may want to bring a light rain jacket. They suggest not visiting the gorge on rainy days or after it has rained heavily as there can be flash floods. Check the forecast and wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Some of this trail is a narrow dirt footpath with uneven terrain and the metal walkways in the gorge can be wet and slippery. So better with sturdy hiking shoes with good tread.
It’s a short hike, so you probably won’t need any supplies for this hike. But bring water and snacks as needed.
Photo story of the trail
From the road, there is a gravel path descending into the forest.
The path goes down some stairs to a bridge.
The bridge overlooks “Pochtenkessel” which I assume is the waterfall you can see from here.
Soon after the bridge, the trail forks. Stay left which leads more directly to the gorge. Mountain views when you aren’t in the forest.
Along the way we passed a little self-service cheese fridge, leave cash in the box.
Just before you reach the gorge, there is a small pool in the river called Jungbrunnen, aka Fountain of Youth. You can cool off in this pool if you like. They suggest not getting in the water after rain. It looked a little sketchy to me, but maybe on a hot day.
At this gate, you enter the gorge. No fee to enter but there was donation box where you can drop cash to help support the upkeep.
These metal walkways are costly to maintain, so they appreciate donations.
The gorge is exciting, loud and wet. Loved it!
You pass many waterfalls as you make your way up the gorge.
Lots of stairs climbing through the steepest part of the chute.
Looking back down the gorge. We were sad to leave.
Looking down on the gorge from a bridge above.
The trail back is mostly on a road higher up on the hill with nice views down the valley.
As we looped back to the parking, we passed this wood carving shop that also sells ice cream.
